Amethyst is not just a beautiful stone, it is believed that it has magical properties and can influence a person’s destiny. The gem symbolizes purity and chastity, enlightens thoughts, but at the same time can attract loneliness and despondency. Esotericists and lithotherapists see a direct connection between the effect of the mineral and how amethyst is worn and what it is combined with.
Origin and types of stone
Amethyst is the most expensive variety of quartz. The mineral is formed among crystalline rock formations.
Amethyst druse is born inside cracks in volcanic rocks. Often such formations (geodes) are represented by a round cavity, the outer part of which is agate ore, and inside there are many crystals.
What color the stone will be depends on the amount and type of impurities that got inside during its formation. In the photo you can see both rare and common types of amethysts. The following colors are available:
- purple;
- lilac;
- blue:
- blue;
- lavender;
- pink;
- green;
- black;
- red, etc.
The most common purple mineral. The degree of shade saturation depends on the amount of iron and aluminum impurities. There are stones from delicate lilac to rich violet color. Some researchers note the possibility of the presence of an organic pigment. When heated in the sun, the stone loses color.
The description of charoite deserves special attention. This stone has a rich purple color. It is mined only at one deposit in Char.
Amethyst stone is the most valuable type of quartz.
Natural green amethyst is too pale due to minimal impurities. Gemstones of gem quality are created through a refining procedure. Specimens mined in Arizona and Montezuma are calcined at a temperature of +500 °C. This gives them a richer green hue. These amethysts often contain needle-like inclusions inside them. This gem received a separate name - prasiolite.
Pink amethyst contains traces of manganese. In addition, there are opaque inclusions inside the stone. The gem is characterized by increased sensitivity to sunlight. It fades quickly in direct sunlight. Calcination of a pink gem helps to obtain a purple hue.
Black amethyst is extremely rare. It includes a large amount of manganese and iron impurities. Sorcerers value the magical properties of the stone and use it in their rituals. This gem is cut and used to create jewelry.
Blue and cyan amethysts are rare in nature. They owe their similar colors to the low inclusion of iron and the presence of beryllium, titanium and boron impurities. Often such gems appear cloudy due to cracks and needle-like inclusions.
Red amethyst is another rare variety. The color of the mineral is due to the inclusion of rutile impurities. Natural stones often contain bubbles, cracks, etc.
Red amethyst can be called rare, since this shade is rarely found in nature.
Brandberg is also classified as amethyst. It has a layered structure, represented by a mixture of purple and smoky quartz. It is mined only in a few deposits in Africa. Gems mined from great depths are especially valuable. In rare cases, fossilized insects are found in them.
Ametrine is a mixture of amethyst and citrine. This gem is purple with yellow veins. This combination is the result of an uneven distribution of iron and rutile impurities.
Chevron is a rare type of mineral. It contains layers of smoky and purple quartz. This combination of colors made it unpopular with jewelers, so it is more often used to create crafts and magical amulets.
Description of amethyst stone
In nature, stone is found in the form of a scattering of crystals and their processes that fill voids and veins of rocks. The amethyst mineral is usually shaped like a prism or diamond. It is found both inside agate formations and in volcanic cracks. The name of this semi-precious stone is translated from Greek as “non-intoxicating”. Ancient people believed that it could protect its owner from drunkenness, and this is confirmed by a beautiful legend from ancient Greek mythology.
Allegedly, the god of winemaking, Dionysus, was captivated by the beauty and charm of the nymph Ametis, but she was in love with someone else. Then the goddess Artemis turned the coquette into stone, giving the amethyst the ability to protect against intoxication, as if in memory of the unrequited love of Dionysus. The ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks and other peoples widely used amethyst to decorate glasses and goblets, and also wore stone rings and other decorations at entertainment events in order to maintain clarity of mind.
Amethyst stone colors
Natural amethyst is purple or cherry blue in color, although much depends on where it is mined. Its color is greatly influenced by lighting: a crystal mined in crystal-bearing veins is more resistant to direct sunlight, while its counterpart in sedimentary rocks fades very quickly even under diffuse lighting. Scientists have learned to change the characteristic properties of the amethyst stone and its color at their discretion. This became possible with heating and X-ray irradiation.
When the temperature rises to 300-400°C, quartz acquires a yellow, orange or brown tint, becoming similar to citrine. By irradiating and heating, exposed to ultraviolet rays, you can make it change its purple color to emerald. Green amethyst is used to imitate prasiolite, a rare quartz found in nature, and therefore more expensive.
Physicochemical characteristics
Amethyst and clear quartz have similar physical and chemical characteristics. The mineral formula is Si02. Its hardness reaches 7 points. The density of the stone is 2.63-2.65 g/cm3. The fracture of the mineral is conchoidal, so it is quite fragile. Amethyst has no cleavage.
The refractive index is 1.543-1.554. The crystal system is trigonal. The mineral has a pearlescent glass luster. Often the composition contains impurities of di- and trivalent iron. Other inclusions are possible.
Amethyst is characterized by slight color variability depending on lighting.
How to spot a fake
There are several simple effective ways:
- Run a knife over the stone. The hardness of the gem is greater than that of steel, so scratches will not appear. However, the artificially grown analogue will not be detected this way, only glass.
- Heat. Amethyst, like other natural stones, does not conduct heat well. Consequently, the palms will not immediately heat up, unlike artificial ones.
- UV lamp. When illuminated, natural ones become completely discolored, while grown ones only partially discolor.
- Glass of water. When a real crystal is immersed in water, it will turn pale at the edges.
- Magnifier. No matter how attractive a crystal may be, a perfectly homogeneous specimen is rare in nature: foreign inclusions are almost always present. And vice versa: it is much easier to grow an absolutely pure sample than with inclusions.
Those who are suitable for an amethyst of exclusively natural origin will be able to identify it by these signs.
Meaning for humans
There are amethysts of different colors in nature, and the meaning of the stones depends on their shade.
- Purple amethyst evokes feelings of melancholy and loneliness in many people. Because of this, this mineral is popularly called “widow’s stone.” In some Asian countries, women who have lost their husbands often wear amethyst jewelry as a sign of fidelity to their feelings.
- In Italy and Greece, it is customary to place this stone in a glass during feasts. It is believed that the mineral can bring clarity of thinking, wisdom and prudence. In Egypt, it was considered a source of peace and tranquility. It was used to facilitate the opening of the path to the subconscious.
- Pink amethyst helps you get into the right frame of mind during meditation. The mineral is considered a talisman of sailors and travelers.
Amethyst is a stone that belongs to the second level precious.
How to wear amethyst? In silver.
Experts say that the best metal that will go well with amethyst is silver. For example, gold will weigh down the stone. Since silver is a very pure, unobtrusive precious metal, a magical connection with a mineral that has the same qualities will be reunited. Moreover, if you take a closer look at the color scheme, you can safely remain satisfied - the silver tone and soft pink-violet look very helpful. But if your stone is framed in gold, don’t be upset either; in this form, the amethyst will balance the energy of your body and bring it back to normal.
If you want a whole set of jewelry with precious minerals, among which there is definitely an amethyst, then it is better to pay attention to such stones as greenish-blue aquamarine, brown zircon, transparent diamond, and white rock crystal. It is this list of expensive stones that will perfectly complement your assembly with amethyst.
Healing influence
Amethysts are able to accumulate energy. Upon contact with a person, they give it away. The stone has a positive effect on health and activates internal reserves. Lithotherapists use amethysts to treat many diseases.
These stones help get rid of any addiction and restore sobriety of thinking. Wearing a product with mineral especially suppresses cravings for alcoholic beverages.
An amethyst geode placed indoors has a beneficial effect on the mental health of residents, reduces the level of nervousness, and also improves the functioning of the nervous system.
Contact with this mineral stabilizes blood circulation and cleanses the blood. Amethyst strengthens heart tissue and normalizes blood pressure. Silver jewelry with this stone can cure diseases of the endocrine system and stabilize the production of hormones.
The gem will be a salvation for a person suffering from insomnia. It will relieve nightmares and anxious thoughts.
This mineral also has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It eliminates the manifestations of ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis and many other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Wearing amethyst helps improve liver health. It removes toxins and restores damaged cells. The mineral slows down the aging process. It helps maintain youth and beauty of the skin.
In lithotherapy, amethyst is used to strengthen the immune and endocrine systems.
This gem can improve hearing and vision. The mineral has an analgesic effect.
It is recommended to be worn by people suffering from migraines. This mineral is useful for women who want to have a child, but have difficulty getting pregnant.
Magic properties
Amethyst has powerful magical properties. The stone helps to reveal existing magical abilities, especially the predisposition to providence. Amethyst protects its owner from the effects of black magic.
This mineral is involved in biofield cleansing rituals. For single people, the stone will help arrange their personal life.
The stone is able to suppress negative character traits of a person. It helps you become more reasonable and calmer. Amethyst protects from envious people and ill-wishers. It will strengthen intuition and reveal the true intentions of the interlocutors.
Dependence on color
Color greatly affects the magical properties of the mineral. The best energy storage devices are black stones. This mineral is a powerful amulet against negativity. This gem is a good male talisman. It will make it easier to achieve any goals. The purple mineral will help reveal hidden talents.
Amethyst is a stone that helps develop a person’s inner abilities.
The green mineral helps develop business and achieve success in the professional field. The power of the mineral will accelerate the establishment of sustainable business connections.
Pink stone will help you find a good partner for a love relationship. This mineral will strengthen existing relationships. It will also be useful for couples whose love has already faded. He will be able to revive feelings and return the affection of his partner.
Astrological compatibility
Not every zodiac sign can wear amethyst. It is most suitable for Aquarius and Aries . According to the horoscope, this stone cannot be worn by Leo and Taurus .
The mineral will not harm the other signs, but the effect of its use will be less pronounced.
Wearing as an amulet - who is suitable according to zodiac signs
- Aries stone will protect you from unwanted contacts. It will help people of this zodiac sign find spiritual harmony.
- Taurus to make friends and make pleasant acquaintances.
- Geminis need such an amulet to improve sleep, as well as to relieve stress. It will attract inspiration and facilitate the implementation of your plans.
- For Cancers, a product with this mineral will give them the opportunity to activate their creative abilities.
- For Leos , wearing amethyst will give them self-confidence and help them cope with any difficulties.
Amethyst can be worn by those people who need protection from the anger of others.
- for virgins . It will provoke problems in the work sphere.
- Libras are advised to always have a ring with this stone with them. It will help pacify emotional impulses and avoid rash actions.
- Amethyst can bring financial stability to the life of Scorpios
- For Sagittarius, an amulet with an amethyst will help them realize all their plans.
- Capricorn should use such an amulet only in extreme cases, so before wearing it, you should consult an astrologer.
- Aquarians are completely compatible with this stone. An amulet with such a mineral will bring success to a person born under this zodiac sign and help in self-realization in all areas of life.
- For Pisces , an amulet with an amethyst is indispensable for problems in their personal life. It will help improve family relationships or find a better partner.
Which finger to wear amethyst jewelry on?
It is better to wear a semi-precious gem on the ring finger of any hand. Men are recommended to wear the ring on their right hand, and women - on their left. Wearing a ring on the middle finger reduces a person's vitality. Amethyst can decorate the little finger of any hand. On this finger he reveals all his magic and includes protection from unpleasant situations. As for the remaining fingers, the stone is not worn on them, since it will not be able to reveal all its properties.
