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Amethyst
by Stephanie Pflumm ©Copyright 2006

Amethyst is a member of the crystal quartz or silica group, the most common
mineral on our planet. Its crystal structure consists of corkscrewing chains
of silicon tetrahedrons that often terminate in a six sided pyramid. The
quartz’s corkscrew can be either left handed or right handed and in some very
rare instances, it will turn both ways.

Amethyst was formed under a variety of conditions. In Brazil and Uruguay it
formed in the gas cavities of lava flows (geodes). Agate geodes containing
Amethyst can reach up to five feet in length and four feet wide.

In Canada, Russia and the US, Amethyst formed in pegmatites or in metamorphic
rocks. In fact each locale where Amethyst is found, seems to produce a
slightly different crystal. In Thunder Bay Canada, Port Arthur Amethyst forms
in a flat hexagon with alternating purple and clear Quartz sections. In Vera
Cruz Mexico Amethyst forms over clear Quartz phantoms, often in double
terminations. Because of these wide ranging differences, I’ve included a
short index of locations and geological properties at the end.

The history of Amethyst is as ancient and dusty as the burial crypts of early
Egypt and Babylon.
Archeologists have recovered documents that were sealed and the dead adorned
with Amethyst.

Amethyst comes from the Greek word amethusos, which means not drunk. One of
the mythical versions of its origins also comes from the Greeks. According to
their mythology, a foolish mortal angered Bacchus (the god of wine and
intoxication) with an insult. Bacchus, bent on revenge, let his tigers loose
to viciously devour the next human walking by.

The human turned out to be a beautiful maiden named Amethyst. She was on her
way to the temple to pay tribute to Diana. Diana, taking pity on the young
girl turned her into a pure crystal statue so that the tiger's claws would not
mar her beauty. Bacchus was so touched and remorseful at the sight of this
statue that he wept tears of wine, turning the crystal purple.

There is a Native American legend surrounding Thunder Bay's Amethyst. Chief
Nanibijou showed man the secret location of Mother's precious gems and
crsytals within the Mountains. The punishment for his indiscretion is to lay
forever, a sleeping giant in the middle of the bay.

Early in Amethyst's history, its purple color and rarity made it an instant
favorite among monarchs. At one time, quality Amethyst were more valuable than
Diamonds. The oldest of England’s crown jewels is a cut Amethyst worn by
Edward the Confessor. Catherine the Great treasured it as her favorite gem.

Catholics believe Amethyst represents piety and celibacy and it has long been
the stone of choice for Popes, Cardinals and Bishops. Crusaders attached them
to their rosaries and wore the crystal into battle for protection.

This crystal has always been associated with drinking, especially wine.
Goblets of Amethyst were said to prevent the drinker from being overwhelmed by
the brew's spirit. Its very name suggests the power of Amethyst to protect you
from the influence of over indulgence (Just as Diana protected Amethyst from
Bacchus' over reaction). Today those trying to rise above addictions,
especially substance addiction, use the healing powers of Amethyst as an aid.
The stone is equally powerful in helping you overcome emotional addictions as
well. Our dependencies can take many forms, Amethyst will assist you in
conquering destructive behaviours.

Associated with the Crown Chakra, Amethyst is an excellent meditation crystal
and is perfect for promoting and strengthening your psychic ability. Some keep
Amethyst with their Tarot Cards or other divining tools. Sleeping with this
crystal can keep away nightmares, promote a deeper healing sleep and often
bring prophetic dreams.

Along with it’s psychic powers this crystal also imparts the wisdom to use
this new knowledge in correct ways.

It has a reputation as a highly protective stone. Amethyst can guard against
thieves, keep travelers safe, prevent harm and sickness, protect from evil and
banish sorrow.

Amethyst has long been utilized for promoting loving energies. Use the crystal
to attract true love from a good person. A woman will present the stone to her
lover to protect their love from fading or to magnify her beauty in their
eyes. A man presents this crystal to his lover to ensure that their love is
constant and faithful.

I keep one for dreaming and one for my migraine headaches. They are very
useful for relieving tension and pain. Amethyst can aid in respiration and
reduce swelling from injuries. It has been used to clear up blemishes and
soften rough skin.

Amethyst can help strengthen the skeletal structure to improve posture. It
will promote healing on a cellular level, aid the digestive tract and help
with stomach and heart disorders. You can use an Amethyst to help with
insomnia, for a more restful sleep so that you awaken, energized for a new
day.

Amethyst is a very important tool for anyone working with gem and crystals.
Its depth of magical and healing qualities are rarely found in any other
stone.

Geographic Index of Amethyst Variations:

Africa - Large, unattractive crystals that are cut and polished into some
highly prized gemstones

Brazil - Most formed in volcanic vugs or gas bubbles (geodes); some vugs form
from trees that were engulfed in the flow then withered away; light to medium
violet, with color only showing in the tops of the crystals

Canada - Clusters grew in druzy crusts along the fissures of ancient
metamorphic rocks; some contain a unique Hematite inclusion causing a reddish
tint

Thunder Bay Canada - Port Arthur Amethyst, a natural hexagon with alternating
sections of Quartz and Amethyst, believed to be caused by numerous crystals
twinning in planes

Germany - found with colorful agates that formed in druzy crusts

Italy - similar to the crystals found in Guerrero and Vera Cruz (Mexico) with
parallel growth clusters and evenly distributed color

Mexico
Guerrero - dark purple prismatic crystals radiating from a common attachment
point, often with phantoms and double terminated
Vera Cruz - similar to Guerrero crystals, except for their color - the
interior is a pale purple with a clear Quartz interior (Amethyst phantoms),
some of the most valuable Amethyst in the world

Russia - a clear, dark variety used primarily for fine cut gemstones - uncut
specimens are rarely available on the market

United States - mostly found in druzy clusters filling the fractures of
metamorphic rocks or in pegmatites, ranging in color from a bluish/violet to a
brownish purple
(Colorado) - these druzes formed in the fissures of sandstone, often on top of
a green fluorite crust, crystals are dark and small

Bolivia - The home of Ametrine, first found in the early 1970's, this unique
zoned crystal is part Amethyst and part Citrine. Because of mining
restrictions in the area where this unusual crystal is found, the stone has
only been available for about the last 20 years.

many blessings
ladycrimsonflame

Well, it does. I've always loved it myself.

What's with the dice rolling thing?