- Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry.
- Purple has long been considered a royal color so it is not surprising that amethyst has been so much in demand during history.
- The Greek word "amethystos" may be translated as "not drunken". Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it.
- Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the gemstone for the astrological sign of Pisces.
- Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.
- Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglio engraved gems.
- The largest amethyst mine in North America is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
- Because amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, it was very important in the ornamentation of Catholic and other churches in the Middle Ages. Amethyst was, in particular, considered to be the stone of bishops and some still wear amethyst rings.
- The Greeks believed amethyst gems could prevent intoxication, while medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle.
- Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness and the gemstone still symbolizes sobriety. Ceremonial wine is frequently drunk from goblets fashioned from it.
- Some fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels, and have been a favorite with such diverse figures as Egyptian royalty to Catherine the Great, who sent thousand of workers to the Uralian mines to search for the best quality, thus creating the «Siberian»
- Up to 18th century amethyst was included in the cardinal, or most valuable, gemstones (along with diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald). However since the discovery of extensive deposits in locations such as Brazil it has lost most of its value grade.
12 interesting facts about Amethyst
