The Beauty and Metaphysical Benefits of Amethyst
Amethyst is credited with having many beneficial spiritual traits. Ancient Greeks, claimed that this stone could help the drunk. Ancient Greecians said that wearing amethyst jewelry or better yet if one drank from a cup made of amethyst, the drinker would not get drunk. Amethyst is also believed to have been held in high respect in ancient Egypt. Many Egyptians who were considered to be important were buried with amethyst jewelry. Egyptians exploited amethyst mines in the region and used the proceeds to win wars with neighboring states. Centuries later, our belief towards amethyst morphed. As attitudes changed, this stone grew to symbolize kings and queens in society. Now, this purple gem has come to represent humility. There is little documentation as to what triggered this change, or when exactly it occurred, but there are those to say that the change was a result of the cumulative effect of many beliefs that the color purple was believed to represent.
This gemstone is one of nearly a dozen semi-precious stones that belong to the quartz family. Viewed strictly from a chemist’s perspective, amethyst is a form of silica which happens to be the most common mineral on earth. The factors that differentiate this stone from other forms of SiO2 is the structural form, color, and optical behavior of amethyst. Two impurities – iron and manganese – added to the silica structure are responsible for the physical properties of amethyst crystals. The manganese content results in amethyst’s typical purple color. The intensity of the color is is significantly impacted by the stone’s iron content. Stones with increased iron content will have deeper color.
When used in silver pendants or bracelet, the clarity of the stone is chosen over the weight of the amethyst specimen. Amethyst crystals that with fractures are of course less desirable than stones with no flaws. When buying stones for fine jewelry designs, ones with more intense purple shades are chosen over lighter colored stones. Due to this, less intensely colored stones are less pricey compared to intensely colored specimens, and therefore often used for costume jewelry applications.
Some of the best quality gems for fine jewelry are mined in Siberia. Specimens from Siberia have a deep purple color and show flashes of re under the right optical conditions. This genere of amethyst is hard to find, and therefore usually limited to expensive jewelry. Innovative jewelry designers however have included a more subtly colored variety of amethyst termed the Rose of France. Only time will tell if this shift in direction will kick up the popularity and consequently the cost of less intensely colored crystals. Amethyst is a beautiful stone that may be the principal gem in fashion jewelry. When incorporated into costume jewelry, this stone is frequently set in 925 silver. The physical appearance of amethyst and the warmth of sterling silver is a winning combination. Amethyst is also be used with other gems including pearls or citrine. This gem has is one of the most popular for fine gemstone jewelry.
New Age believers suggest that an amethyst crystal raises spiritual well being in believers. Amethyst is claimed to keep away negative emotions that is within ourself, as well as negativity that originates in our enemies. Amethyst widens our view of things and assists us to think freely. It is said that an amethyst crystal can heal active thoughts, protects one from restless dreams, provides relief from mental exhaustion, and helps a person get good night’s sleep. For centuries, the faithful believe in the physical healing properties of amethyst. Amethyst ground to a fine powder mixed with water was used to get relief from skeletal sicknesses. This gemstone is believed to cure problems of blood sugar. There is scant hard evidence to support these claims.
Processing your request, Please wait....
