Amethyst

WHAT IS IT?

• Amethyst is a purple colored variety of quartz (Si02)

• The color varies from light pinkish violet to deep purple

• Natural amethyst contains iron and/or trace element impurities

• Synthetic amethyst is made by irradiating clear quartz doped with iron

OTHER FACTS

• The ancient Greeks gave amethyst the name "ἀμέθυστος" which is pronounced "améthystos” meaning "not intoxicated". They believed that amethyst provided protection from intoxication.

• Amethyst is the birthstone for February

• Synthetic amethyst can be detected by measuring twinning characteristics.

• Twinning occurs when multiple crystals have common crystal lattice points (i.e. multiple crystals growing together). There are a number of unique crystal plane orientations (i.e. Brazil law, Japan law, Dauphine law) that are associated with specific mining locations.

• Amethyst is heated to form a yellow citrine-like material called ametrine

• Amethyst vvas one of the most expensive gemstone until the discovery of large deposits in Brazil in the 18th century

• Prolonged to bright light causes amethyst to fade.

• Hardness: 7 (same as quartz), Crystal system: hexagonal

WHERE IS IT FOUND?

• Amethyst is primarily found in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil,Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, The United States, Uruguay, and Zambia.

• Brazil and Zambia are the largest producers of amethyst

• The best varieties come from Brazil, Russia (Siberia), and Sri Lanka

• The most expensive grade of Amethyst is called "Deep Siberian"

• In Washington state it is found at Walker Valley (near Big Lake, SE of Mt. Vernon -48 deg 22' 21.4"N, 122 deg 09' 564"W)

WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

• The ancient Greeks used amethyst as a protection from drunkenness

• In the middle ages European soldiers carried amethyst into battle in the belief that it healed and promoted courage

• Currently, amethyst is used as a homeopathic remedy for healing

• Used for jewelry since ancient time. The Romans made carved Intaglio signet rings from amethyst and other gemstones (most commonly carnelian).

• The bishop's Episcopal ring was set in amethyst to signify that the Apostles were “not drunk" at Pentecost (an allusion to Acts 2:15)