Amethyst

Amethyst is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing amethyst, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.

Color, clarity and weight are the decisive factors affecting the price of tumbled amethyst. This purple version of quartz is considered to be its most valuable color. The price of amethyst with average quality, around 2.5 cm in size, is usually $1-$10/piece, but the price of the best Amethyst specimens can be as high as thousands of dollars. In addition to the color, clarity, and weight of the amethyst crystal cluster, the shape of the crystal cluster and the integrity of the crystal are also important factors that affect the pricing. The price of amethyst clusters is usually between $1-$80/piece, and a few beautifully shaped, complete crystals, high-clarity giant amethyst clusters can even sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

Amethyst is a variety of quartz, which gives it a reasonable degree of toughness. While it can withstand daily wear relatively well, it's not impervious to damage. Care should be taken as sharp blows or accidental drops could chip or crack the stone.

Amethyst resists dryness, contamination, and household detergents well. However, prolonged intense light might fade its color slightly. Additionally, abrupt temperature changes may cause it to fracture. Regular cleaning can prevent sweat or grime related dullness.

Amethyst is one of the most popular forms of quartz for ornamental use. It is considered a semiprecious stone. In antique times, amethyst was one of the most-favored minerals for making intaglio engraved gems. Today, it remains very popular as an ornamental crystal, faceted stone, and lapidary stone – especially in jewelry making.

According to Greek mythology, a nymph named Amethystos was transformed into a stone that is now known as amethyst. Greeks commonly crushed the stone and put it in the wine to prevent intoxication. Known as a symbol of Christ, but also with wealth and power, it was favored exclusively by royalty for a long time. Amethyst is the birthstone of February.

Amethyst is produced in abundance from the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil where it occurs in large geodes within volcanic rocks. Many of the hollow agates of southwestern Brazil and Uruguay contain a crop of amethyst crystals in the interior. Artigas, Uruguay and neighboring Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul are large world producers exceeding in quantity Minas Gerais, as well as Mato Grosso, Espirito Santo, Bahia, and Ceará states, all amethyst producers of importance in Brazil.

It is also found and mined in South Korea. The largest opencast amethyst vein in the world is in Maissau, Lower Austria. Much fine amethyst comes from Russia, especially from near Mursinka in the Ekaterinburg district, where it occurs in drusy cavities in granitic rocks. Many localities in south India yield amethyst. One of the largest global amethyst producers is Zambia in southern Africa with an annual production of about 1000 tons.

Amethyst occurs at many localities in the United States. Among these may be mentioned: the Mazatzal Mountain region in Gila and Maricopa Counties, Arizona; Red Feather Lakes, near Fort Collins, Colorado; Amethyst Mountain, Texas; Yellowstone National Park; Delaware County, Pennsylvania; Haywood County, North Carolina; Deer Hill and Stow, Maine and in the Lake Superior region of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Amethyst is relatively common in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia. The largest amethyst mine in North America is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Amethyst is the official state gemstone of South Carolina. Several South Carolina amethysts are on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

The name comes from the Koine Greek αμέθυστος amethystos from α- a-, "not" and μεθύσκω (Ancient Greek) methysko / μεθώ metho (Modern Greek), "intoxicate", a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. The ancient Greeks wore amethyst and carved drinking vessels from it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.

Amethyst is believed to be a powerful stone that can provide healing for the spiritual and emotional body. Its positive energy forces remove negative energy to potentially provide for better overall health. Keep it in the bedroom to induce more restful sleep. It can be used in the home to encourage harmony and unity among those who dwell within.