Amethyst

Amethyst is the birthstone for February.

The color of amethyst ranges from pale lavender-pink to nearly black-purple. The ideal color is deep medium purple with red-colored flakes. Amethyst is a member of the quartz family. Mined in mainly in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, and African countries like Zambia and Namibia, small amounts are also found in Arizona at the Four Peaks mine near Phoenix.

Amethyst is one of the most affordable gemstones, and is durable enough to be worn every day.
Enhancements - Care and Cleaning - Lore

Enhancements

Most amethyst is untreated, but some very dark amethyst tones will be heated at low temperatures to lighten the color slightly.
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Care and Cleaning

Amethyst is very durable, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Try to avoid exposure to excessive heat. Clean with warm water and a soft toothbrush, or bring it in and let us clean it for you.
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Lore

Amethyst comes from the Greek amethystos which means "not drunken." Wine goblets were carved from this purple gem because it was considered to prevent drunkenness. Buddhists believe amethyst aids meditation, and today it continues to be used for rosaries in Tibet.

The legend of amethyst's origin lies in Greek mythology. Dionysus (Bacchus), the god of wine, celebration, and intoxication, was insulted by a mortal who refused him acknowledgment. Enraged, Dionysus vowed to punish all mortals who did not appreciate his gifts of wine and drunkenness. He spotted a young maiden named Amethyst who was pure and unfamiliar with being intoxicated. Dionysus summoned two tigers to devour her, and sat back with his wine to watch. Amethyst cried out to the goddess Diana, who transformed her into a glimmering pure white stone (quartz) to protect her from the tigers. Dionysus realized the ruthlessness of his actions and began to weep. As the tears dripped into his goblet, Dionysus collapsed and spilled his wine on the stone. The white stone absorbed the wine’s color, creating amethyst.
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