Amethyst cluster
Amethyst is a variety of quartz (silicon dioxide) that contains more iron oxide than any other variety of quartz. Iron is responsible for the stone's purple hue that may range from very light, almost transparent, pinkish lavender to deep, very dark violet. The color of amethyst appears as a result of irradiation which causes the iron particles to rearrange themselves in the crystal lattice. The color fades away if the stone is exposed to a direct sunlight.
Amethyst is one of the most widely spread minerals. It can be found the USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, parts of East Africa, South Africa, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Austria, and Russia.
Amethyst forms beautiful geodes, clusters as well as individual, prismatic crystals.
Amethyst has been used for thousands of years in healing rituals, for psychic empowerment and in magic. Ancient Egyptians used amethyst as a gemstone, while the Greeks believed that it could prevent intoxication. The stone is mentioned in the Bible. It was one of the twelve gems that adorned the breast plate of the High Priest of Yahweh. In medieval Europe amethyst was regarded as a protective stone and was worn by knights as amulet. In Egypt and later on in England, amethyst was associated with royalty. In Tibet it was consecrated to Buddha.
Amethyst is a symbol of piety, purity, sincerity and spiritual wisdom. The name amethyst derives from the Greek words a- and methustos which means not intoxicated. The ancient Greeks considered amethyst to be a very potent antidote to inebriation and often made wine goblets out of it.
In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, madness and ecstasy, pursued a maiden named Amethystos. She refused his affections and prayed to the gods to remain chaste. Her prayer was answered by Artemis who transformed her into a white stone. Distressed by the girl's resolve to remain chaste, Dionysus poured cup of red wine over the white stone as a libation. The stone turned purple. Hence the color of amethyst.
Amethyst geode from Madagascar
Amethyst is a very powerful, protective stone that is capable of blocking and transforming negative influences of any kind. It is said to protect from danger and from violent death. It protects people who travel. The stone can be used during meditation to gain access to higher levels of consciousness. It enhances intuition and creativity and facilitates visualization and lucid dreaming. It sharpens one's psychic abilities such as clairvoyance and telepathy. The stone can be used to enhance memory and focus. It also helps to remember and understand the dreams. Amethyst is usually associated with the third eye and with the crown chakra.
Amethyst is a karmic healing stone that protects from negativity and self-deception. It facilitates spiritual insight and awakens the soul. Amethyst relieves stress and irritability. It brings calm and peaceful energy to those who wear it. Amethyst can be used to heal anger, fear and anxiety. It also heals grief and other painful emotions associated with personal loss. It helps find balance and emotional stability and regain inner strength. People struggling with addictions and compulsive behavior of any kind may profit from the calming properties of this stone as it promotes inner peace and contentment and strengthens resolve.
On a physical plane amethyst can be used to heal withdrawal symptoms from any kind of addiction. It cleanses the blood, supports the immune system, enhances metabolism and helps balance the endocrine system. It can improve blood circulation and strengthens the heart. Traditionally, amethyst has been used to heal lung disease and other respiratory disorders, to speed up the healing of wounds and bruises, to relieve headache and insomnia, to heal inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and various disorders of the digestive tract. It can also be helpful in clearing various skin conditions. The stone is also believed to assist with pregnancy, PMS and the menopause. Amethyst crystals can be safely used to prepare therapeutic gem water.
Amethyst is a very attractive gemstone that can be used to make beautiful jewelry. The clusters or points placed in the house harmonize and grace any space.
*This article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to heal or diagnose, treat any disease.
Healing Properties of Amethyst by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.