shop what's new gem journeys
wishlists my shopping bag
 

amethyst - the royal purple

amethyst crystal

pearl & amethyst choker

compositionsilicon dioxide
name sourcefrom the Greek word amethustos, meaning "not drunken" (possibly due to either a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, or that the color of some amethysts are wine-like)
other accepted namesamethystine quartz, baccusstein, haaramethyst
historical aliases"the bishop's stone," "the dream stone" (Hebrew)
folkloric aliases"stone of spirituality and contentment," "the addict's stone"
color wide range of purple shades
color sourcetiny amounts of iron and aluminum
significant sourcescommon throughout the world
MOH scale7
care and treatmentAmethyst can be cleaned in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Beware of wearing amethyst for long periods in bright sunlight. Amethyst is often heat-treated to achieve a particular shade of color -- and prolonged exposure to sun, over time, can affect the color.