Amethyst: the stone of beauty, the stone of adventurers

The violet variety of limpid or semi-limpid quartz, with different grades of deepness and a striking number of tints (from light-lilac to dark-violet, almost black) is called amethyst. The name, given to the stone in ancient times, is closely connected with the belief, that this gem can protect people against drunkenness and prevent the development of alcoholism. The name is translated from Greek as “not drunk”, “free from drinking”, “alcohol-free”. In ancient Greece the cupbearers poured wine out of amethyst ladles, for the guests not to get drunk.

The synonyms of amethysts are purple agate, amethistius, amefist, the stone of Bacchus, bishop stone, lavendin. In the Middle ages the gem was highly valued both in the East and in Europe, where it was considered to be the best decoration for church articles and priests clothes. After consecration into a cardinal, the initiate got an amethyst ring. In ancient Greece gems, signets and small decorations were made from amethyst. In China the light-coloured varieties were used for making vials or caskets. Since XVIII century amethyst started to be used in Europe for jewellery â€“ mainly for brooches and necklaces, rings, earrings and cuff links.

Beautifully coloured violet and red stones are used now in precious jewellery in combination with diamonds and emeralds. Before XVIII century Ceylon (today Sri Lanka)got the place of the main supplier of amethysts. There amethysts were mined from placers. In the first half of the XVIII century mines were opened in Germany and in the mountains of Ural. In the middle if the XIX century amethysts started to be mined in Brazil. The gems found there are characterized by a very beautiful dark-violet colour, though traditionally Ural amethysts are called the most beautiful ones. Ceylon amethysts are light-lilac, and are blood-red and purple. Both these varieties can change their glitter and play because of the lightning. There are also rare amethysts, that do not change their colour at all or get reddish tint.

This quality of amethysts is highly appreciated by the travelers, for the change of its colour in daytime usually points to a coming storm or strong wind. This is explained by the fact, that amethyst, unlike other varieties of quartz, has a schistose structure.