Amethyst

Description

Amethyst is a variety of quartz. Its violet coloring, its characteristic feature, can vary from dark purple to pink. Amethysts naturally occur in the form of crystals and druses.
Amethysts from Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka has been famous since the immemorial. Deposits of amethysts in USA and Madagascar are also famous. Ceylon amethysts are slightly violet, Brazilian amethysts are red and purple. Amethysts from Kola Peninsula usually have blue and light violet shades. In Rus Reddish amethysts in 16th century were known as fruit dumрlings.
During heating up to +200 degrees of Celsius violet color of amethyst is disappearing. The initial color restores after cooling. In water natural amethysts (in contrast to artificial ones) become colorless along their edges. The name of this mineral relates the ancient Greek legend about Ametis Nymph who saved herself from infringement of Dionysus, a wine-making god. Its patroness Artemis turned the nymph into the precious stone that became being considered as an amulet against hard drinking (Greek word ametistos means - not drunken). Perhaps, amethyst was named so because of its lilac and violet color that resembles greatly diluted red wine, that wouldnТt make anyone drunken. Therefore, amethyst was also considered as the symbol of devotion and as a stone strengthening the will.

Application

In China amethyst was used for making bottles and small boxes. In ancient Greece and Rome amethyst was used to cut gems and signets. Later amethyst became the symbol of theological ideas and icons. In Christian faith amethyst was a stone of the Apostle Matthew. In Rus it was named hierarchal stone. Amethysts decorated icons, altars, finger ring crosses and panagias. The crown of I.Godunov was decorated with huge amethysts of deep violet color.
The length of amethysts crystals usually vary from 5 to 10 centimeters. Sometimes you may meet rather big samples. It is recommended that they are being mounted only in silver. Facetted amethysts are used for mounting into rings, earrings and beads. The feathers of different tiny crystals of amethyst are used as unique souvenir articles. In ancient China amethysts were used for making boxes and bottles. Sawn up geodes with amethyst crystals inside are very beautiful.

However, the lower prices of amethyst could be explained by the presence of synthetical amethysts in the markets. It is practically impossible to distinguish between natural and synthetic amethysts. Amethyst in the form of heart mounted into silver frame is considered to be the best gift of her fiancee. Such a talisman will bring the newlyweds blessings, happiness and tranquility for many years.

Magical properties

Amethyst is a stone of cleanness and purity. In the Middle Ages it was considered the stone of affection. In ancient Egypt amethyst was considered to be the symbol of happiness and health, in Europe - the stone of sincerity and candor, in India - as one of the most powerful magic stones. The crystal of amethyst put between eyebrows calms the consciousness and favor the further inner rest. It is considered that amethyst initiates the opening of The third eye, namely it helps to submerge into the subconscious area of inner eyesight. At this moment the transition from material level to higher powers of the world occurs. With the aid of its violet color amethyst reduces the spiritual pain and anxiety, calms and cleans thoughts, fills the aura with positive energy and kind intentions. Indian Ayurveda says that amethyst helps to control emotions. Amethyst Ball

There is a belief, that amethyst endows the man with insight and helps to control bad thoughts. There is an opinion that the finger ring with amethyst brings luck in sporting events. The decorations with amethyst are put under the pillow in order to have a good dream.

Healing stones

There is a popular belief that amethysts possess the perceptive Yin energy and could affect the chakra of Adjna. Contemplation of amethysts stops nervous annoyance, causes calm and therefore this procedure is recommended for fighting insomnia. The water in which amethysts lay is useful for restoring of brain blood circulation. In the past, there was a popular belief that amethyst can guard its owner from any infection. Amethyst decorations should be periodically cleaned in order to remove a negative energy from them.

Astrology

Amethyst is an amulet for people who were born under the signs of Aquarius and Libra. People born under the signs of Leo and Capricorn should avoid wearing it. Wearing amethyst in certain lunar days - third, seventh, eleventh - helps to establish contacts with the necessary people.