The Purple Gem: Amethyst
By Gina Ritter

Royalty wore purple, as so shall we. Amethyst: transparent, purple quartz has been in demand throughout history from Catherine the Great to the British royals and Egyptians. Amethyst ranges in color from pale lilac (sometimes coined “Rose de France”) used in Victorian jewelry to deep purple of historical royalty.

Today, amethyst is mined in South American countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as in Zambia, Namibia and other African countries. Some darker amethyst is mined in Australia.

In Greek legend, it was the tears of the god of intoxication, Dionysus, which stained the quartz to the purple amethyst color it is today. Dionysus, one of the ‘black sheep’ of the Gods, was angered by a mortal and foolishly swore revenge on any mortal that was unlucky enough to cross paths with ferocious tigers he created to mirror his anger. The young, mortal maiden, Amethyst, was an unsuspecting victim. The goddess Diana turned Amethyst into a protective statue of pure crystalline quartz and it was then that Dionysus wept tears of wine on her statue in remorse.

Interestingly. The Greek word amethystos means “not drunken” or “without drunkenness” and amethysts were used in ancient Greece as a sobriety aid by carving wine goblets from the purple quartz or holding an amethyst gem under your tongue while drinking. Modern Greece still enjoys its sobering symbolism today.

In the Middle Ages it was thought to encourage celibacy, so Catholics and others adorned themselves and their churches with Amethysts as a sign of piety. Likewise, many Bishops continue to wear amethyst rings today and rosaries of Tibet are fashioned with amethysts, as they were sacred to Buddha.

Amethysts are encrusted in the famed British Crown Jewels and the International Colored Gemstone Association website states “Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.”

Of course, today we still love amethyst quartz for its uniqueness and royal beauty. From adults to children wear it on our hands, wrists and at our neckline. Strikingly beautiful hatpins and brooches are often encrusted with amethyst, and we also know it to be February’s birthstone. Amethyst makes a great gift for your February baby.

Gina Ritter is the owner of Natural Family Online, co-owner of the Balter Catalogue Company, a mom to three precious boys, and an artist. You may reprint this article by contacting her at gina [at] taylexson.org.