Amethyst

Amethyst has long been revered for its extraordinary beauty and its remarkable powers to soothe and stimulate the mind and emotions. Although it is classified as a semi-precious stone in modern times, it was once known as the “Gem of Fire,” and at various points in history, it was valued as highly as a diamond. 

One of the most fascinating things about Amethyst is its association with the month of February, which the ancient Romans dedicated to their water god, Neptune. This connection makes it the traditional birthstone for February, as well as the stone of St. Valentine and faithful love. Amethyst is also known as the Bishop’s Stone and represents ecclesiastical dignity. It is a stone that embodies both the energy of fire and passion and the logic of temperance and sobriety. 

Whether in its natural crystal form, polished as tumbled stones, or fashioned into exquisite jewels, Amethyst is a gem that transcends its commonality. It is a type of quartz found in numerous locations around the world, often forming as transparent, terminated crystals of all sizes in geodes, clusters, and as long, single terminations. Amethyst can also be found in vitreous masses and polished into exceptional specimens and personal talismans. 

The presence of manganese in clear quartz is what gives Amethyst its distinctive purple hue, which ranges from pale red-violet to deep violet and can be transparent or opaque. It is sometimes layered with white quartz as Chevron Amethyst, found in combination with Cacoxenite, mixed with Citrine as Ametrine, or “rutilated” with Goethite in rare cases. 

Throughout history, Amethyst has been associated with the prevention of drunkenness and overindulgence. The ancient Greeks and Romans frequently studded their goblets with Amethyst, believing that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would not lead to intoxication. They also thought that wearing an Amethyst on the body, particularly at the navel, had a sobering effect not only for inebriation but also for excessive passion. 

Catholic bishops also wore Amethyst in a ring to protect them from mystical intoxication, and kissing the ring was said to keep others from similar mystical intoxication and keep them grounded in spiritual thought. In the spiritual world, Amethyst has been revered for its ability to connect one with the Divine. It was the ninth stone in the breastplate of the High Priest, known as Ahlamah, and the twelfth foundation stone for the New Jerusalem. The Egyptians called it Hemag and carved heart-shaped amulets for burial from it. 

In Eastern cultures, Amethyst was listed in descriptions of sacred “gem-cities,” “trees of life,” and used in temple offerings for worship. It was also often used to align planetary and astrological influences and was popular in rosaries and prayer beads. Amethyst was credited with creating an atmosphere of pious calm, imbuing a sense of mental peace, and quietude. 

Today, Amethyst continues to be celebrated for its spiritual properties and meaning, which are similar to those of its historic roots. It is a stone that enhances spirituality and contentment and is known for its metaphysical abilities to quiet the mind and inspire an enhanced meditative state. Its high frequency purifies the aura of any negative energy or attachments, and it creates a protective shield of Light around the body, allowing one to remain clear and centred while opening to spiritual direction. 

Amethyst’s ability to expand the higher mind also enhances creativity and passion. It strengthens the imagination and intuition and refines the thinking processes, making it an ideal talisman of focus and success. Thus, Amethyst’s incredible beauty and legendary powers continue to captivate people from all over the world and remain just as relevant today as they were in ancient times. 

Known as the “all-healer”, Amethyst is a highly effective crystal that is capable of healing people, animals, and even plants. It serves as an excellent talisman in the creative arts, particularly when dealing with darker shades. This crystal helps in achieving new and original results while still using traditional tools and methods, making it the go-to stone for artists, composers, inventors, poets, and painters. 

Aside from its creative applications, Amethyst is also beneficial in terms of boosting hormone production and stimulating the endocrine glands and sympathetic nervous system. This results in better oxygenation of the blood and helps treat a range of health issues including those affecting the digestive tract, heart, skin, and stomach. It is also known to enhance the immune system, minimize pain, bruising, and swelling, and can be used to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. 

Amethyst has also proven effective in treating insomnia and tinnitus, while its calming energy can soothe neural impulses in the brain and reduce headaches, migraines, and stress. Emotionally, Amethyst is particularly supportive, bringing those who are overworked, overwhelmed, or overstressed back to their centre. It can even help individuals identify the root cause of their negative patterns and behaviours, allowing them to achieve a more balanced and healthy state. 

For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, Amethyst is a comforting crystal, often referred to as “the soul stone” because of its ability to connect individuals to their soul’s eternal existence. Finally, this high-energy crystal stimulates the Third Eye, Crown, and Etheric Chakras, providing a sweet and powerful boost to one’s overall wellbeing.