01.02.22 February’s birthstone amethyst is the world’s most popular purple gemstone and has been used for jewellery and other adornments for thousands of years.

It’s a variety of quartz and comes in many different shades and clarities from almost imperceptibly pale lilac through a range of lavenders and mauves to a deep reddish purple. Light amethyst is usually cut and faceted for the mass market whilst the more expensive deeper coloured stones are often made into more expensive items. Amethyst is mined worldwide including small amounts in the UK.

Amethyst can also form the basis of other stones such as ametrine, citrine and prasiolite (aka “green amethyst”). Ametrine, which is a yellow-purple mix of amethyst and citrine within the same stone, occurs rarely in nature, and is often created. When heated, amethyst changes colour, and this can occur naturally during formation or intentionally by man. Much “citrine” that is available today is actually amethyst which has been heated to change into a yellow colour, rather than naturally occurring citrine. Heat and/or irradiation can also be used to produce prasiolite and change the original colour of the amethyst, making it a more desirable shade of purple.

Despite being widely, and fairly cheaply, available, there is a fair amount of manmade “amethyst” around. These are usually types of glass and it can be almost impossible for anyone except a specialist to tell the difference. [Please note my gemstones have been acquired from trusted and traceable sources and are understood to be genuine. I do use glass and synthetic beads in some pieces and these are always described as such.]

So, what of the metaphysical and healing properties of amethyst? The name comes from the Greek word “ametusthos” which means “not intoxicated.” The ancient Greeks wore amethyst and carved drinking vessels from it, because they believed it protected them from drunkenness and overindulgence. Amethyst is still known today as “the sobriety stone” and is said to assist with healing alcoholism, compulsive behaviours and addictions of all kinds.

Amethyst is associated with the third eye (or brow) and crown chakras and it’s no surprise that it’s associated with intuition, mindfulness and spirituality. It is often used to help control one’s negative and/or unpleasant thoughts and is an excellent stone for meditation and dream work, said to protect against nightmares and insomnia. Amethyst is said to be a natural tranquiliser, containing the energies of stability, peace, balance, courage and inner strength whilst dispelling depression, anxiety, anger, fear and rage.

Amethyst provides emotional support, relieving stress and helping to induce calm among chaos. It is particularly helpful in easing the hurt caused by grief and dealing with painful experiences and personal loss. Amethyst is also a crystal of luck and prosperity and is reputed to be beneficial when dealing with legal and money issues.

Amethyst jewellery and any other items can be viewed HERE.