This purple stone is difficult to confuse with other gems. It was amethysts that thousands of years ago were worn by rulers and military leaders, and ordinary people did not refuse to wear purple amethyst - quartz, which, if not for its delicate color, would be indistinguishable from rock crystal or citrine. Representatives of the stronger sex wore it on weapons and armor, while women preferred to hide amethyst under their clothes. What healing and magical properties does this delightful stone have, how long has it been known to mankind? Let's talk about all this right now!
Legend of Appearance
Purple amethyst (in the photo below you can see a natural raw stone) has been known to people for a long time: it is worth noting that in one of the museums of the world there is a brooch made from this variety of quartz. According to researchers, this decoration was made in the third century AD! dedicated to hima huge number of literary works, he is also the hero of an ancient Greek legend.
So, the name amethyst is due to the inhabitants of Ancient Greece. Here the gem was called amethystos, which can be translated as "not drunk". It is known that the inhabitants of Hellas used amethyst in order to neutralize the effects of alcohol. It was usually placed in a bowl of wine or other spirits to keep the person from getting drunk. It was also said that it could act as an indicator of poison.
There is a legend associated with Bacchus, the god of viticulture. He, being in a state of extreme intoxication, got angry at mere mortals, because it seemed to him that they treated him disrespectfully. God swore that the first person he met on his way would be torn to pieces by wild tigers (or, according to another version, wild wolves). The first who caught the eye of Bacchus was a beautiful nymph named Amethyst. In an attempt to escape from the angry beasts, the nymph prayed to Diana, the goddess of the hunt, to help her. Diana heard the prayers and turned the nymph into a transparent statue. Seeing the stone that Amethyst had become, Bacchus sobered up and realized what he had done. In an attempt to revive the nymph, Bacchus began generously pouring wine over her, saying that this drink could revive any person. Amethyst did not come to life - the stone into which she turned only turned into a delicate lilac color.
Love Through the Ages
In Ancient Greece from purpleamethyst was made in ladles, with the help of which wine was poured into goblets - it was believed that thanks to this, the participants in the feast did not get drunk longer. The clergy also liked the stone. For example, in Catholic countries, this gem is usually called the "episcopal" (sometimes "pastoral") stone, and in Russia it was called the "bishop's".
You probably know Princess Tarakanova. So she had a luxurious ring with a beautiful dark purple amethyst. She never parted with her favorite jewelry for a minute, slept, traveled, went out with it. And then, when the woman parted with the stone, giving it to her favorite, misfortunes fell upon her. Literally the next day, she was taken into custody.
Irina Godunova also adored this gem. A purple amethyst adorned her crown. The symbol of power was adorned with several fairly large gems. Irina believed that he would help her - give her wisdom and calmness. It is worth mentioning the treasure of the British Royal Family - the scepter, which is encrusted with a huge amethyst.
Shades of amethysts
Let's say right away - in nature there are amethysts of various tones. The color depends on what is included in its composition. There are stones of a rich purple color. They are usually called stone violets, these are one of the most expensive gems. There are red amethysts that vaguely resemble rubies, but are significantly inferior in quality to real rubies. Less often you can see gems that have a green tint.
Purple amethyst stone: photo and description
This original gem can have both a delicate lilac hue and a rich purple tone. Usually in nature, amethyst looks like hexagonal crystals, the length of which is from five to ten centimeters. By the way, crystals can be both single and large groups. The color is most often heterogeneous - the brightest middle, while the edges are pale or completely transparent. This makes amethysts incredibly attractive. Purple amethyst has a density of 7.0 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Gem Features
The main feature of this stone is that due to exposure to sunlight, it fades or even loses its color. Amethyst also changes due to heat - it is enough to heat it up to 500 degrees to turn it into citrine. Purple will not return to him.
It is also interesting that, unlike many other stones, amethysts do not require intensive processing. Most often, it is given such shapes as an oval or a circle, sometimes a heart.
Amethyst deposits
Purple amethyst can be found almost anywhere in the world. However, only a small part of the states is engaged in the extraction of the mineral. The largest deposits can be found in Russia, Armenia, Bolivia, Madagascar, Uruguay, China and Japan. The most beautiful amethysts are mined in our country - on the territory of the Urals. They are quite large, have a delicate lavender hue. Bright purple crystalsare found in Armenia, however, a small amount of gems is mined here. The stones from Uruguay are the least in demand among jewelers all over the world - they are small and have not very good qualities.
Healing properties
Lithotherapy, as stone treatment is also called, appeared many centuries ago. Even in ancient Greece, doctors and healers used purple amethyst for medical purposes. It was believed that the mineral is able to defeat fairly common diseases, including insomnia and any other sleep disorders, nervous breakdowns, depressive states, overwork. Today it is believed that one of the most popular varieties of quartz allows you to cope with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Lithotherapists are convinced that this mineral is fraught with the powers of the sky, which means that it is able to save a person from mental illnesses, improve the state of the nervous system. Esotericists say: amethyst is able to make the co-owner much stronger spiritually, it returns him the desire to live, communicate with people and make new acquaintances. It is also important that purple amethysts allow you to cope with bad dreams and insomnia. And for this, it is enough just to put the mineral under the pillow. The stone will absorb all the negative energy and help you sleep well.
Of course, there is a lot of evidence that the mineral actually helps people improve their psycho-emotional state, sleep, however, you should not rely only on his ability, because they have not been confirmedrepresentatives of traditional medicine.
Amethyst water
How to improve skin condition, rejuvenate and get rid of age spots? Lithotherapists share a useful recipe: you need to insist water on amethysts. By the way, it helps not only to become more beautiful, but also relieves various diseases - mainly colds. Amethyst water is an excellent remedy for poisoning.
Magical Properties
Purple amethyst, according to magicians, sorcerers and esotericists, can help a person in various aspects of his life. For example, it allows you to cope with addiction to alcoholic beverages, endows a person with such qualities as calmness and wisdom. The gem is able to teach its owner to recognize lies, protects from envious people and people who are negative. Amethysts can help their owner achieve success in business matters. Just imagine, gems can attract potential partners,
Widow's stone or a symbol of love?
For many years, amethyst was worn by widows and widowers of different countries. Why? It was believed that this stone helps to express devotion to a deceased loved one. Esotericists confirmed this opinion, saying that a jewelry with purple amethyst presented to a loved one (in the photo below you can see an amethyst ring) is a guarantee that he will not be able to change or stop loving.
However, later the magicians reported - you can get rid of such an effect of the stone, for this you just need to get rid ofamethyst. So in fact, this delightful mineral of an unusual color can be called a symbol of love, devotion and reciprocity. Speaking about the magical properties of purple amethyst, one cannot fail to mention one unique feature. It is generally accepted that it is amethyst that allows you to free your heart from past love and step towards a new feeling.
Amethyst from lies
Among the properties of purple amethyst, it can be noted that it is the patron saint of fair and honest people who avoid lies. Stone likes people who are modest, responsible, noble. He gives them confidence, provides assistance in various areas of life. The energy of the stone is quite powerful, which means that the amethyst is able to independently choose the owner, whom it will help.
The mineral will protect its owner from liars, ill-wishers and people who are jealous. How does this happen? Esoteric experts claim that amethyst crystals destroy the cunning plans of ill-wishers, while exposing them. And be sure - the mineral will never help a dishonest person who dreams of doing something in order to harm others.
Anti-alcohol properties
A mineral with an unusual color after many centuries is still considered a stone of sobriety. And therefore, magicians and sorcerers say, it is necessary to wear it first of all to those people who have an alcohol addiction. So, this gem is able to prevent even severe intoxication. It is recommended to keep it with you when going to a party.
Compatibility with zodiac signs: who suits amethyst
Astrologers say: purple amethyst is not suitable for every sign of the zodiac. It is believed to be best compatible with Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.
The stars can even explain why a purple stone suits these particular signs. So, Libra is quite often in doubt. Because of this, they lose their inner harmony, instead acquiring problems. Amethyst also helps them regain a state of peace and self-confidence. The mineral gives Libra the missing energy, relieves overvoltage.
The purple amethyst stone is indispensable (in the photo you can see it as it occurs in nature) and for Aquarius, who are constantly under the influence of feelings and emotions. Tantrums will be suppressed by the most powerful energy of the stone, it will also give Aquarius responsibility.
Gemini are people who tend to have addictions. It can be alcohol, narcotic substances, gambling … Any harmful attraction can be defeated by amethyst. He will make up for the lack of communication with people, teach you not to succumb to temptations. It will also scare away not very decent people.
Scorpios can also wear amethyst, especially those who fear the negative impact of envious people. Cancer stone will help in work and business. Virgo with his help will overcome any troubles, and he makes Pisces more insightful, endows them with intuition.
Who does not suit amethyst
According to the horoscope, this mineral is categorically contraindicatedAries, Leo, Capricorn and Sagittarius. However, it is worth saying that from time to time Capricorns can wear jewelry with this stone, however, not too often and not for too long. He will have time to give wisdom and relieve melancholy. But in the event that Capricorn wears amethyst for too long, he becomes too aggressive and irritable. A very difficult case is when Capricorn does not remove jewelry inlaid with purple crystals for a long time. He may fall into a severe depression, which will not be so easy to cope with.
Hardworking Aries will find it difficult to cope with the unusually strong energy of the stone - they will light up with more and more new ideas, but not a single one will be brought to life. Hot-tempered Lions will be even more aggressive if they start wearing jewelry with this stone, the situation is no better for Sagittarius - amethyst will only increase their anxiety.
