Amethyst is a member of the quartz family and is likely to be the most highly prized variety of quartz. The colour purple was the colour of royalty historically and was worn by powerful royals as a status symbol. They are also worn by Bishops as a way to bring good luck. Amethyst is the official gemstone of Ontario, Canada.
Russia was a prime supplier in the 19th century replaced by Brazil later on when large amethyst reserves were discovered there. Brazil continues to hold its top spot with most of its supply coming from Rio Grande do Sul. The Brazilian amethyst has a unique lighter colour than amethyst produced elsewhere. Zambia’s Kariba mine and United States’ Four Peaks mine ( Arizona) are also suppliers of this beautiful purple stone.
The Anahi mine in Bolivia is also one of the major producers of this stone. The Anahi mine is named after Princess Anahi of the Ayoreos tribe of Paraguay, who married a Spanish conqueror in the 1600s to whom the mines were gifted as dowry. Forgotten with the passage of time this mine was rediscovered in the 1960s.This mine produces parti-coloured stones known as ametrines containing both amethyst and citrine in one stone.
Amethyst records a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. In simple terms this means that the stone can be used in everyday wear jewellery. Be cautious when pairing it with other harder gemstones such as rubies and diamonds so as to avoid scratching the amethyst.
For cleaning one may use an ultrasonic cleaner or the good old soft brush and mild soap combination.
Colour varies from light lilac to dark purples. Deeper colours with red and plum undertones are more valuable than the lighter ones. Pick a stone with uniform colour.
Pick a stone with minimum inclusions as amethysts that look clean to the naked eye are preferred any day. However, sometimes the deep colour of the stone may trump the inclusions.
Standard as well irregular shapes
Comes in a variety of sizes. Price per size doesn’t increase with a larger size as it is found easily.
The serene amethyst is one of the most popular gemstones liked by most people due to its calming lilac to deep purple hues. The romantic colour of this stone has made it a favourite amongst most women. The name amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethystos meaning not drunk. This perhaps inspired the link to mental clarity and peace that amethyst is expected to bring about. It is also believed that to bless the wearer with wisdom, purity and healing.
