Amethyst is otherwise known as the "Stone of the Bishops" due to its connections with Royalty and the clergy. Amethyst comes from the quartz species of stone and is naturally purple in color. Since purple has long been the color of royalty and social status historically amethyst has been a favored stone of the Royals and became the symbol of power among the elite throughout the centuries. You will see the British crown jewels inhabit the most beautiful Amethysts on earth and the royal Egyptians were also buried with there precious jewels of rubies and amethysts.


Since the Christian church was a high power during the middle ages they to became known for their connections with the stone as it was worn by high ranking bishops as sign of there closeness to God. The word Amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethysotos” which means to be sober, the Greeks believed that this stone has special powers that would keep the head level even if intoxicated so they encrusted these stones into their finest goblets to ward off that drunken demon.



What is the legend around the Amethyst stone?

The legend of Amethyst is steeped in Greek mythology. The Greek God Dionysius who was the God of intoxication was out for revenged against a mortal that angered him he swore to take revenge on the next human he saw and that happed to be a beautiful girl called Amethyst. In his anger Dionysius turned the young maiden into a pillar of quartz. When the Gods saw what a beautiful creature she was they wept tears of remorse for the actions taken and the tears of the gods turned the quartz purple giving it that distinctive purple hue.


The amethyst stone is believed by healers to have special medicinal and healing powers when kept close to the skin. It has been worn over the centuries as a talisman to warn off demons and evil sprits. To wear amethyst in a piece of jewelry around the neck is said to bring good luck and fortune to the wearer. It has mystical qualities as well as being a beautiful stone full of historical symbolism and legend this is what makes it a very popular stone to be worn as jewelry today.


Amethyst is traditionally purple but it can come in colors from violet to pale red violet and when introduced to het the color will change to green. The Siberian red amethyst is a deep purple with red and bleu flashes of color within the stone this gem is the most highly valued among collectors. Green amethysts are not really considered to be true amethysts as it doesn’t have the distinctive purple violet hue.


A top class amethyst is clear and transparent which means that the light will shine straight through the gem. Any inclusions or cracks would be very visible greatly diminishing the value of the stone but since the supply of amethyst is plentiful there would be very little imperfect stones on the market.