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History
Amethyst has been traced back as far as the Neolithic Period (around 9500 BCE-before current era) which interestingly enough, was also called the New Stone Age.

The word "Amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethustos" which means “not drunken". Those in the Ancient Greek Culture believed that drinking wine from a goblet carved and fashioned from Amethyst would prevent drunkenness. It is said that the original story came from Greek Mythology - a parable featuring Dionysus and Dianna.

In Egypt, Amethyst was a symbol of Royalty, worn by noblemen, kings and queens. During the Renaissance period, Amethyst was viewed as the exact opposite-it became known as a stone of modesty and humility. During Biblical times, Amethyst was one of the original stones that adorned the Breastplate of the High Priest. These 12 original stones each represented one of the 12 original tribes.

Locations and Processes
There is an abundance of Amethyst worldwide. Let's look at some of the more popular locations for Amethyst.

Vera Cruz Amethyst comes from Vera Cruz, Mexico. It is known for its pale, lilac color and remarkable clarity. Another high quality Amethyst is located in Guerreo, Mexico. These crystals are typically some of the darkest, literally saturated with deep, intense color. They may also show visible transparency. Amethyst is also mined in Brazil, the most notable source is around the Minas Gerais area. Amethyst from this location is a pale to medium lavender in color. Canadian Amethyst is quite unique as it contains a slight to deep red coating at the surface. Perhaps the most popular of the Amethysts are those that are mined in Uruguay. These Amethyst are highly saturated in color exhibiting that "deep, juicy grape" coloring we all love.

Zambia and Namibia, Africa also produce high quality Amethyst specimens. The United States has several locations known for their Amethyst. Other countries include: Italy, Germany, Bolivia, Argentina, Madagascar, India and Sri Lanka.

How Amethyst is Mined
Amethyst is mined using underground mining techniques. It is not found in veins, like many other deposits are. Instead, Amethyst crystals are often found in "vugs". According to Wikipedia, "Vugs are small to medium-sized cavities inside rock that may be formed through a variety of processes. Most commonly cracks and fissures opened by tectonic activity (folding and faulting) are partially filled by quartz, calcite, and other secondary minerals."

Geological Facts
Amethyst can be a pale lilac to deep purple in color. When Manganese is present in clear Quartz, Amethyst is produced, while the amount of Iron contained in the specimen accounts for the depth of purple. Amethyst can be opaque (light does not pass through the crystal) to transparent (light passes through the crystal). Amethyst is a relatively hard crystal, which scores a 7 on the Moh's Hardness Scale. Amethyst is made up of Silicon and Oxygen. The most valuable Amethysts are transparent.

Fun Fact
One superstition about Amethysts is that they will keep you safe from death, poison, and witchcraft.

Metaphysical Information
Amethyst is a powerful and protective crystal, and is a first choice of many metaphysicians.  Amethyst was used in ancient times to recover from both physical addictions as well as addictive relationships, and became know as the “stone of sobriety”.  A natural stress reliever, Amethyst encourages and supports inner strength.

The strong healing energy of Amethyst can transmute lower vibrations to higher frequencies, transforming negative energy to love energy.

Amethyst connects the physical plane with higher realm, making it a good choice when working with the Third Eye Chakra.  Amethyst also provides a wonderful peaceful energy for meditations, and helps with developing intuition and psychic abilities.

Amethyst opens and activates the Crown Chakra, allowing easier access to the divine.   Amethyst enhances spiritual awareness and spiritual wisdom, promoting a higher state of consciousness.  Amethyst clears and repairs holes in the aura and draws in Divine energy, as well as aligning and fostering cooperation between the energy bodies.

Primary Chakra: Third Eye, Crown
Astrological sign(s): Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius, Capricorn
Vibration: Number 3

Amethyst is a wonderful crystal to use in Grids, Meditation or to infuse your Altar or Healing Room with powerful healing energy.  I highly recommend that you purchase at least one piece of Amethyst to add to your crystal collection. Definitely a "must have" for any type of healing work.

Written by Kristi Huggins, Author and Project Manager for Healing Crystals

 

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Posted on October 15, 2009
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