The Royal Amethyst

The birthstone for February and art of the Quartz family with Citrine and Smoky Quartz. The stone is 7 on the mohs scale so susceptible to scratching making it perfect for earrings and pendants where the stone will be less likely to be damaged by day to day wear. In Brazil you can find amethyst in geodes which are hollow, crystal-lined rocks and when split display wonderful amethyst crystals. They are found in light lilacs to deep purples. Amethyst can be found growing alongside Citrine in the same crystal creating Ametrine which is a gemstone displaying purple and orange hues.

Amethyst is an affordable gemstone however it was once as expensive as Ruby and Emerald until the 19^th Century after large deposits were found in Brazil. You will find Amethyst in the mass-market jewellery industry but also in designer pieces such as the famous pieces Wallis Simpson Amethyst necklace.

Amethyst has some interesting and fun history. The patron of romantic love, St Valentine, wore an amethyst ring with a carved image of cupid. It was also once thought to help prevent intoxication in ancient Greek times (I will let you put that theory to the test!) and astrologer Camillo Leonardi wrote that amethyst quickens intelligence and gets rid of evil thoughts. So, there are lots of reasons to wear amethyst other then it being a beautiful gemstone.

If you have any questions on the gemstone or you are looking to have a piece made with the wonderful gemstone then get in touch.