Amethyst

Amethyst, a violet or purple variety of quartz used as an ornamental stone. The name is generally said to be derived from the Greek a, "not," and methbskein, "to intoxicate," expressing the old belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. It was held that wine drunk out of a cup of amethyst would not intoxicate. According, however, to the Rev. C. W. King, the word may probably be a corruption of an Eastern name for the stone.

A bed of amethyst crystals on base rock, 13 cm (5 inches) long Larger version

The colour of amethyst is usually attributed to the presence of manganese, but as it is capable of being much altered and even discharged by heat it has been referred by some authorities to an organic source. Ferric thiocyanate has been suggested, and sulphur is said to have been detected in the mineral. On exposure to heat, amethyst generally becomes yellow, and much of the cairngorm or yellow quartz of jewelry is said to be merely "burnt amethyst." Veins of amethystine quartz are apt to lose their colour on the exposed outcrop.

Amethyst is composed of an irregular superposition of alternate lamellae of right-handed and left-handed quartz. It has been shown by Prof. J. W. Judd that this structure may be due to mechanical stresses. In consequence of this composite formation, amethyst is apt to break with a rippled fracture, or to show "thumb markings," and the intersection of two sets of curved ripples may produce on the fractured surface a pattern something like that of "engine turning." Some mineralogists, following Sir David Brewster, apply the name of amethyst to all quartz which exhibits this structure, regardless of its colour.

The amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians, and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglios. Beads of amethyst are found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England. Amethyst is a very widely distributed mineral, but fine clear specimens fit for cutting as ornamental stones are confined to comparatively few localities. Such crystals occur either in cavities in mineral-veins and in granitic rocks, or as a lining in agate geodes. A huge geode, or "amethyst-grotto," from near Santa Cruz in southern Brazil, was exhibited at the Düsseldorf Exhibition of 1902. Many of the hollow agates of Brazil and Uruguay contain a crop of amethyst-crystals in the interior. Much fine amethyst comes from Russia, especially from near Mursinka in the Ekaterinburg district, where it occurs in drusy cavities in granitic rocks. Many localities in India yield amethyst; and it is found also in Ceylon, chiefly as pebbles.

Purple corundum, or sapphire of amethystine tint, is called Oriental amethyst, but this expression is often applied by jewelers to fine examples of the ordinary amethystine quartz, even when not derived from Eastern sources.

Amethyst occurs at many localities in the United States, but rarely fine enough for use in jewelry. Among these may be mentioned Amethyst Mountain, Texas; Yellowstone National Park; Delaware County, Pennsylvania; Haywood County, North Carolina; Deer Hill, and Stow, Maine. It is found also in the Lake Superior district. See G. F. Kunz, Gems &c. of North America (1890),and Report for 12th Census (vol. "Mines and Quarries"). (F. W. R.*)

Amethyst in Folklore:

The Amethyst is associated with Pisces, Aries (especially the violet and purple Variety), Aquarius, and Sagittarius. It is a Symbol of Heavenly Understanding, and of the Pioneer in Thought and Action on the Philosophical, Religious, Spiritual and Material Planes.

Linked with Saint Valentine, it assists those who wear it to maintain Faithfulness. It causes Peace and Calmness of Mind. It is carried by Soldiers on the Shafts of Spears and on Swords as a Charm against Death; it also brings Calmness and Victory in Battle. It is useful for the Revelation of Prophetic Truth. It strengthens Wisdom, Faith and Religion, and is an Aid in Prayer and in Dreaming. It is a Charm against Witchcraft, Poison (it warns of the Presence of Poison by dimming) and Evil Thoughts; it is an Aid to Chastity, a Power against all Forms of Overindulgence, and a Strengthener of the Mind. It is a Charm for securing the Favour of Princes, Rulers, Churchmen, People of Wealth, Influence and Power, and People with Prophetic Ability, Poets, Travellers, Publishers, etc.

Bound to the left Wrist, the Amethyst enables the Wearer to see the Future in Dreams. It represses Evil Thoughts and Actions, gives a keen Business Sense, and warns of ill Health. The Amethyst attracts Love and good Luck, and helps to prevent Drunkenness.

When engraved with the Names of the Sun and the Moon, it protects against Sorcery. A winged Horse cut on an Amethyst is a protective Talisman for Horses and their Riders. Immerse an Amethyst in hot Water, take it out, dry it carefully, and apply it to Headache or Toothache.

To dream of Amethysts indicates Success to a Traveller, Clergyman, Sailor, Philosopher, Teacher or Mystic, also Protection, Faith and fruitful Thoughts.

Initial text from 1911 encyclopedia

See also: list of minerals