The Story of Amethyst: 9 Facts About the Popular Purple Gemstone

Crystals were once the reserve of witches and hippies. Well, that went out the window. You no longer have to worry about that.

Indeed, Google has seen a 40% spike in searches for ‘crystal healing’ in recent years. Everyone from celebrities to supermodels seems to be sporting them. Mysticism has gone mainstream. Crystals and gemstones are flying off the shelves like never before. They’re said to help with all sorts of ailments and issues — from healing and protection to virility and good fortune.

There’s a crystal for every occasion, and everybody seems to have their favorite. Of them all, the purple gemstone, amethyst, holds a special allure around the world. As it happens, its popularity seems well-deserved. This stunning stone has a fascinating story to tell.

Want to learn more about it? Keep reading to discover seven incredible facts about amethyst.

1. It’s Been Valued Throughout History

Amethyst has had a long and illustrious history. This incredible crystal has been part of the human experience for thousands of years. There are examples of stunning amethyst jewelry that stretch back to 2,000 BC and even further. Clearly, our current preoccupation with amethyst is clearly nothing new.

Early human civilizations found as much value in it as we do today. Everyone from the Ancient Egyptians to the Ancient Greeks worked it into jewelry and precious items to enjoy.

2. It’s Enjoyed Longstanding Celebrity Status

As we’ve seen, crystals are now being championed by A-class celebrities everywhere.

For instance, singer Adele and supermodel Naomi Campbell are known to own them.

However, this is nothing new! Gemstones have been prized possessions for society’s elite since the dawn of time. Amethyst, in particular, has enjoyed a special status.

Look no further than the British royal family! Amethyst takes pride of place in the crown jewels. Going back even further, there’s evidence that even Cleopatra sported this beautiful purple stone, according to earthsky.org.

Amethyst has clearly held a special allure among the high and mighty of the world.

3. It Holds a Place in Greek Mythology

Dionysus was known as the god of intoxication in Greek mythology.

The stories of Dionysus and his role in the creation of Amethyst vary. However, a common version of the tales goes like this:

Long ago, the god fell in love with a beautiful young girl called Amethystos. One day, on her way to pray to the goddess Diana, Dionysus approached her and informed her of his love.

Amethystos turned him away.

In a fit of rage, Dionysus released a pair of tigers to devour the fair maiden. Seeing what was to happen, the goddess Diana intervened, turning Amethystos into a statue of the clearest quartz.

The anger that Dionysus felt turned into sorrow for what he had done. He wept tears into this goblet of wine, which overturned and spilled over the statue.

The quartz turned purple and has remained so ever since.

4. It Offers Wide-Ranging Benefits

For many people, crystals are just beautiful possessions to enjoy having around.

For others, there’s a far deeper significance to them. As we mentioned earlier, crystals and gemstones are said to support all kinds of issues.

Amethyst is no exception.

Among the mystically inclined, this is a special stone. It’s thought to offer a wide range of benefits, from relieving health-related problems of insomnia and exhaustion to being a general good-luck charm. Other incentives to own some amethyst include:

• Protection
• Positivity
• Calmness
• Greater intellect
• Patience

5. It’s Said to Keep You Sober

Anyone who enjoys a drink might also benefit from amethyst. The Ancient Greeks believed it prevented drunkenness!

Amethyst was seen as a stone of sobriety. In fact, the Greek word "amethystos" translates to "remedy against drunkenness," or something along those lines.

The bearer of the stone was believed to remain sober and stable while drinking.

You find evidence of this in special drinking goblets and glasses of old. Wealthy households often adorned them with amethyst to remain in sound mind while drinking.

Over time, the association with sobriety extended to one of piety and virtue. Bishops and priests have come to wear it in amethyst stone rings and other religious items.

6. Its Value Dwindled with Newfound Brazilian Supplies

Amethyst is still seen as a semi-precious stone.

However, there was once a time when its value was deemed far higher. Indeed, there’s a reason it's been a stone of choice for royalty throughout history.

According to a historical report on gem prices from Economic Geology, the value of this purple quartz was once similar to a diamond!

However, it fell when new mining operations in Brazil unearthed a wealth of amethyst deposits. Suddenly, the supply rose, and its value fell accordingly.

Regardless, for many people, amethyst remains a valued possession for reasons beyond its financial worth.

7. It’s Mined All over the World

Amethyst is prevalent across the entire globe. Deposits are found in countries all over the world. Two of the largest sources are in Austria (where the mine is open to the public) and Brazil, which is said to have some of the highest-quality amethyst around.

However, you can source amethyst in almost every continent. From Canada and Russia to India and China, there’s amethyst everywhere. The specific qualities of amethyst vary. Some amethyst has light pink hues, whereas others have tones of the deepest purple. Regardless of the exact tonality and hue, each stone is as beautiful as the next.

The Allure of the Purple Gemstone

Mystical matters are becoming increasingly widespread.

Crystals, in particular, have taken off in terms of popularity. Championed by famous people the whole world over, demand for them has risen dramatically in the general public.

Amethyst is one gemstone that’s in special demand. And for good reason! As we’ve seen, there’s a host of compelling reasons someone might wish to own it.

Hopefully, the information in this post has shed new light on this stunning purple gemstone.

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