We're kicking off a new series of blogs called Gemstone Discovery. We'll take a moment and introduce beautiful gemstones in the world from time to time. And what better way to start off our series and the first of February than with Amethyst. This beautiful gemstone has quite a history. As many of you know, it's the birthstone of February; but there's a lot more to this gemstone.
Amethysts are heavily mined in Africa and South America. Before the 19th century, this purple gem was considered just as valuable as ruby, emerald, and sapphires. This is why you see it in a lot of religious and royal jewelry from the past. When more were discovered, the price to get an amethyst became more affordable. But what's more interesting is what the Greeks believed. In Greek mythology, it was believed that amethyst was created by the Greek god of wine and grapes, Bacchus, after unsuccessfully pursuing a woman. After his failed attempt, he poured wine over the stone as an offering which is the way the purple hue formed in the stone. It's also believed to ward off drunkenness. Whether or not this mythology holds true is questionable, but it makes for a great story behind the beautiful vibrant hue. During medieval Europe, soldiers wore it in battles with the belief that it had healing powers. Another belief was that the wearer would become clear-headed or quick-witted. These stories add a lot of allure to the stone.
The appeal of amethyst is the beautiful purple hue as well as it being quite affordable. You can find beautiful large amethysts for a reasonable price. It's a great match for February because Valentine's Day is on February 14th and it's been told that St. Valentine, the romantic love patron, wore an amethyst ring with image of cupid carved.
More fun facts about Amethyst:
- It's used for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries
- Associated with royalty and wine
- It's a quartz
- It's a 7.0 on the Mohs hardness scale
- Camillo Leonardi, an astrologer, believed it quickens intelligence & rids evil thoughts.
- Available in green. Yes! There are green amethysts
There are so many beautiful amethyst pieces out in the world used in royal jewelry such as the Duchess of Windsor's Cartier necklace which has 29 step-cut amethyst. However, there is one famous & notorious Amethyst jewelry piece that haunts the wearer, the Heron-Allen Amethyst. It's been said that anyone who touches the piece have encountered misfortune.
We can't get enough on this stone and all the beautiful royal jewelry made with Amethyst. It's vibrant purple is great for not only celebrating February birthdays, anniversaries or Valentine's Day but also throughout the year. The hue of amethyst is extremely rich and beautiful and comes in an array of shades from light to dark. Until next time, have a wonderful start to your February.