Amethyst engagement ring buying guide

by Seema Susheel

You want to choose an ‘Amethyst’ embellishment for your engagement ring, then to know more on the stone is interesting as well as informative. Amethyst is a purple colored transparent gemstone. The color varieties are from light purple to medium and dark differing from stone to stone and in today’s world amethyst has become a very popular gemstone, as generally the color purple is considered to be royal, rich and glamorous.

Summary: You want to choose an ‘Amethyst’ embellishment for your engagement ring, then to know more on the stone is interesting as well as informative. Amethyst is a purple colored transparent gemstone. The color varieties are from light purple to medium and dark differing from stone to stone and in today’s world amethyst has become a very popular gemstone, as generally the color purple is considered to be royal, rich and glamorous.

To own one of the most beautiful and elegant engagement ring is an enthralling experience. Specially if the engagement ring is embedded with the most charming of the gemstones “Amethyst” then the jewelry piece becomes a proud possession. You have decided to buy an Amethyst engagement ring for your fianci’ then a buying guide would help you follow the right track to make the right buy.

* You want to choose an ‘Amethyst’ embellishment for your engagement ring, then to know more on the stone is interesting as well as informative. Amethyst is a purple colored transparent gemstone. The color varieties are from light purple to medium and dark differing from stone to stone and in today’s world amethyst has become a very popular gemstone, as generally the color purple is considered to be royal, rich and glamorous. The stone oozes style and grandeur to any jewelry design. This elegant gemstone can be interestingly used for any classic or contemporary design style.

* You would have chosen amethyst stone considering it’s a birthstone for people born in the month of February. An engagement ring is something your loved one will wear on her finger always, and if it’s her birthstone then that’s a very thoughtful gift by you. It’s not the usual diamond but an amethyst which is different, attractive and best part your fianci’s birthstone.

* You can choose from the different settings of 18K yellow gold, white gold, platinum or silver for this beautiful ring. You could design it your self as to what setting will look the best in contrast to the purple amethyst. You can even have the main amethyst stone surrounded artistically by diamonds and set on a white gold base. Amethyst being purple in color it will stand best on a white gold or a platinum setting. This ring will perfectly suite your fiancis wardrobe and every formal or informal occasion.

* Once you have thought of the design the next step is to settle on a budget for the engagement ring. Amethyst as such is affordable gemstone so you could be little more liberal in spending on the adjacent diamonds or also go for platinum setting instead of white gold.

* To make the buy you could log on to many different jewelry sites available on the net and gather all the information you need, they even have a function where in you can design the ring yourself, tell them the specification and order the piece on the net. There are lots of options and pieces of jewelry displayed in the site, helping you to choose the right one. Lots of people are surfing and buying there precious jewelry on net nowadays as many don’t have the time to roam around shops physically and make the purchase. The other advantage of buying through these site is that you can be in Canada and make a buy from the United States .

You are not going there personally but you still can enjoy the benefits of buying from your office or home computer and receiving what you wanted on the right time. You are in a hurry, don’t have the time to run around shops, you are buying a piece of jewelry for the first time and are lost as to where to go to shop then the net is the solution. These jewelry selling sites are reliable and are catering to many individuals around the globe with an excellent customer service to help you in every step of your purchase.

* To get engaged is a special moment and the engagement ring stands testimony to your special bondage with your life partner. You feel you can spend quality time to buy the ring personally then to shop from a store is a good idea too. You have to choose a reputed jeweler who is an expert in gemstone jewelry and who can offer you an amazing range with affordable prices.

Many stores have loose amethyst stones which you can select, looking at the right cut, color and clarity of the stone and giving an order to make the ring. You can tell them the design you have in mind or choose from the many designs available in the shop, choose the kind of setting you want, yellow gold, white gold or platinum and then order the ring giving the ring size. When selecting the amethyst stone take care of the color and the cut which determines the overall look as it is the light reflecting through those many cuts that adds to the brilliance and beauty of the gemstone.

* Don’t forget to find out the gold prize, the loose amethyst stone prize and making charges for the ring, then you can go for custom design made to order by you; this will cut down the cost. Don’t hesitate to know the many procedures that will go in making your ring and the cost separation. By the end of it you should be happy with the quality of the purchase as well as the cost. Go for a purchase which will make your fianci happy and dying to showoff the ring and in future will become a proud family possession.

* You can even do some research and find out if your friends or relatives have a permanent jewelry shop where they are buying from generations then you could request them to take you there. This will make sure you don’t get cheated with fake stones and bad quality for a high price taking advantage of you being a novice in jewelry buying. Once you are satisfied by the quality and comfort you will always prefer to go to the same place again and again as its more convenient and the first step of choosing the shop gets deleted. As people have a family doctor they are always looking for a family jeweler too. When buying valuable jewelry nobody wants to be at risk with the quality of the purchase and everybody looks for value for money. As your friend has introduced you to the shop you could even ask for a discount. You will get a guarantee certificate for the gold and the gemstone and any repairs would be promptly done by the jewelry shop.

Amethyst perfect 6th anniversary gift

by Debjani Banerjee

Amethysts have a scintillating range of color. A wide range of purple characterizes this gemstone. The crystals as they occur in nature are in the form of sparkling clusters growing amidst chunks of quartz and other kinds of rock. The mineral manganese in quartz gives amethyst its special hue.

Summary: Amethysts have a scintillating range of color. A wide range of purple characterizes this gemstone. The crystals as they occur in nature are in the form of sparkling clusters growing amidst chunks of quartz and other kinds of rock. The mineral manganese in quartz gives amethyst its special hue.

Amethyst is commonly known as the official birthstone for the month of February; it is also the birthstone for the Zodiac sign Pisces. Amethyst is usually gifted on the 4th, 6th, 17 Th, wedding anniversaries. Amethyst has been a very popular gemstone through thousands of years owing to its almost miraculous powers!

This lovely gem is not very expensive as it is freely available in nature, but its loveliness of color and clarity is unparalled; other violet gemstones are compared to Amethyst to make a comparison. Amethysts are very much the favored choice of stone for jewelry of various styles. It is also used for ornamentation purposes.

Let us get acquainted with the salient features that distinguish its peculiar composition. Amethyst or SiO2 is transparent purple colored quartz. It is the most important among all varieties of quartz. Amethysts occur mostly as long prismatic crystals; in layman’s terms it resembles a six-sided prismatic pyramid like structure
on one side and ends in a pointed ending on the other. Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on Mho’s scale of hardness.

Amethysts have a scintillating range of color. A wide range of purple characterizes this gemstone. The crystals as they occur in nature are in the form of sparkling clusters growing amidst chunks of quartz and other kinds of rock. The mineral manganese in quartz gives amethyst its special hue.

The lighter amethysts are known as rose de France variety, the deeper ones with dense color and deep rose flashes in-between are the expensive varieties. Darker hued amethysts have no need to be further enhanced or heat-treated; the lighter ones are sometimes heat treated to citrine color. Most of the Amethysts that are commercially available nowadays are normally heat treated to get a deeper colors.

The color of the pure and expensive amethyst is a clear purple, but the normal range of color in amethyst can vary from lilac, lavender, and mauve to even deep purple and its intermediate colors. An” Amethyst geode ” can be one of the most arresting sights in nature for its sheer beauty. A huge piece of quartz studded with sharp violet crystals with deep pink flashes in their hearts remind one of nebulae ready to give birth to a million new stars! Top quality amethyst is a deep purple stone with pink flashes.

No wonder the Amethyst has been a popular choice for the ” Royals” of all ages, its purple color echoing the colors of royalty. Amethysts paired with diamonds, or set in platinum with other precious stones like emeralds and rubies have been extensively used in the crown and state jewelry of all European royalty and have similarly found pride of place in the huge jewelry collections of our Indian princes and Maharajas.

There are various types of Amethysts like all other minerals. Experts, geologists can distinguish varieties by shape and color. The” types of clusters” are also pointers to the place of origin. Experts can identify localities from where the amethyst specimen originated by its tint and hue.
The color, shape, cluster are key factors in determining the place of origin. Amethysts are found extensively in many countries of the world. Vera Cruz from Mexico, Guiro from Brazil and Mexico are prismatic crystal varieties. South America boasts even larger crystals; Africa has smaller stones of deeper and more intense colors whereas Australia has only smaller varieties. The Minas Gerais from Brazil, Maraba from Brazil, Thunder Bay from Canada are other popular varieties of this gemstone.

This gem is mined from South America, Africa, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Zambia, and Namibia.

The origin to the name of this stone is the stuff of fable and legend! Greek mythology is full of tales stranger than life. Amethyst’s folklore and origin of name has a fascinating story to it! The goddess Diana to save her from Bacchus the Wine God’s raging anger turned “Amethys” into a quartz statue. Bacchus shed tears of remorse, when he saw the statue, and his tears stained the stone transforming the statue into “Amethyst,” a new stone! The word “Amethustos” in Greek means, “not drunk”, this could also be the origin to the name Amethyst. The stone was therefore believed to have miraculous powers and ward off intoxication. Curiously wine goblets were often fashioned out
of amethyst to keep the drinkers merrymaking for a while longer, and not be lost to the world in a drunken haze!

The Amethyst is believed to transform lower negative energies to positive ones. Religions of the world have vouchsafed for the stone’s magical efficacy. The church has used amethysts in rosaries; Bishops wear the stone in their church regalia and rings to gain from its beneficial and healing, vibrations. The Tibetans believe amethysts play a
significant part in their religious rituals.

No wonder this stone’s popularity has frog leaped from being an exclusive item used only by the rich and the famous to becoming an important fashion accessory for our time.

Amethysts can be set in rings, bracelets, chokers, bracelets or any other creative way, like embellishing lamp stands, jewelry watches, paperweights, the sky being the limit to the innovative ways it can be used!

Last but not the least, Amethysts have become very popular for a very specific reason. Amethyst’s metaphysical properties have in recent times augmented its use in meditation and healing sessions in gem crystal therapy. Its clear nature causes
energies to flow easily through it aiding one to attain serenity, gain inner peace and balance. It aids intuition and is considered the stone of wisdom. It sharpens thinking, and is also believed to be a common aid to relieving headaches, cure sugar imbalance, transform all lows and blues to a more positive and constructive state of mind. Its almost magical efficacy in reversing the negative emotions of anger and violence would make everyone wish to wear this gem birthstone or not!

Amethyst Internationally Acclaimed Gem

by Mathew Abraham

Now that amethyst is being mined all over the world, it is readily available internationally and has become very popular with jewelers. Its natural attributes (especially color, shape and size) vary according to the location from which it is mined. The stone comes in a dazzling array of enchanting shades that range from deep purples to pale lilac pastels. It is a much sought after gem because of its association with royalty, the wealthy and powerful, and also with certain religious leaders. Wearing the gem gives its owner a sense of belonging to a superior class in society. It is also believed to have many supernatural powers that are beneficial to the wearer. It is the internationally accepted choice as a gift for the 4th, 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

International acceptance of Amethyst
All collectors of gems and minerals are familiar with amethyst. Its widespread availability makes it easy to recognize. Even though the stones differ in nature depending on the location from which they are mined, experts are able to identify the original location of the stone by assessing its natural attributes. The gem comes in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes, all of which are acceptable to collectors as well as jewelers. Most customers shopping for amethyst ornaments have different reasons for selecting the stone of their choice. Many are attracted to the mystical and astrological attributes credited to the stone. One such quality for which the stone is internationally famous is the belief that it prevents the wearer from becoming intoxicated. And it is not just from alcoholic intoxication, but also from other kinds of intoxication like the amorous or addictive kinds. It is also believed to give the wearer clarity of thought and temperance, qualities desirable in leaders of society and industry. This is the main reason why it has been internationally acclaimed as the “Royal Gem” for centuries. And it is for this reason that aristocratic, religious and political leaders from every part of the world can be seen wearing this stone even today.

Amethyst is the official birthstone for the month of February and the astrological stone for the zodiac sign Pisces. It is also accepted as an additional stone for the zodiac signs Aries, Aquarius, Virgo, Capricorn and Sagittarius. As more and more people around the world are being attracted to astrological horoscopes, the demand for zodiac and birth stones is rapidly increasing. This factor has contributed to a considerable increase in the demand for amethyst internationally. Many people believe it brings true love and good fortune.

The stone is credited with several other attributes that make it internationally renowned. It is believed to bring peace and tranquility to the wearer and make the person more tender-hearted and affable. It is also believed to have the power of cleansing the soul, removing any self-destructive and undesirable traits and replacing them with a purer form of spirituality. According to traditional reports, it has the ability to heal physical, emotional and mental disorders. Some persons are convinced that amethyst can deflect different kinds of energies directed towards the wearer, so that the person does not absorb them. They claim that the human intellect does not have the capacity to comprehend the manner in which these powers work. The stone is said to endow the wearer with psychic powers and the ability to see prophetic dreams that predict events about to take place in the future.

International locations and standards of Amethyst
Amethyst is essentially quartz, and some variety of quartz crystals can be found in practically every kind of rock formation. That is why amethyst is so readily available all over the world – although in different grades having a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Even the structural formation varies from area to area. The commonly accepted method of identification is by its six-sided prismatic structure and its hardness value of 7 It has a specific gravity of 2.66 and a refractive index of 1.54 – 1.55.. The mineral composition is crystalline quartz and the chemical composition is SiO2. The best varieties are mined from deposits in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Japan, Mexico, Russia and South Africa. Other well known locations include Canada, Zambia, Bolivia, the United States, India, Madagascar, Germany, Australia, Namibia, Iran and Uruguay.

The internationally accepted superior grades of amethyst are the Amethyst Quartz (a fusion of amethyst and milky quartz that either has purple and white bands or is purple on top and translucent beneath), Canadian Amethyst (having an inner glaze of red hematite and confined to Thunder Bay in Ontario), Ametrine (a purple and orange combination of amethyst and citrine), Lavender Amethyst (a pastel shade of pale purple) and Vera Cruz Amethyst (having a tall, prismatic structure and located in Vera Cruz, México). The best quality of amethyst is expected to have a rich purple or violet color with flashes of rose red. Though this variety is referred to as the “Siberian”, it is mined from many other locations like Uruguay and Zambia. Some pale violet pastels with a reddish tinge are also in demand. Light lilac, lavender and mauve are other common colors. The lighter pale shades are considered to be of a lesser standard, and the best of them are the pinkish lavender or lilac colored stone called the “Rose De France”. The purple corundum (or sapphire) is called the “Oriental Amethyst” even though it may not have any oriental origins.

The color in most stones tends to fade or change over a period of time, particularly if subjected to heat and light. In fact most citrine, cairngorm and yellow quartz are formed as the result of artificially controlled heat and light application to amethyst. One such example is the “Ametrine”, so called because it develops alternate bands of purple (from amethyst) and orange (from citrine) after treatment. Today, most dealers in amethyst subject the stone to controlled degrees of heat treatment in order to heighten or change their color. Invariably the treatment has a permanent effect. Amethyst comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most are suitable for collectors but there is more demand for stones that can be cut for jewelry. Besides, because of the traditional folklore and legends associated with amethyst, many wearers require the stone to be cut in specific shapes for specific purposes.

Amethyst – the international precious stone
Because of its availability all over the world and because of the wide range available in color and price, amethyst has become a truly internationally acclaimed stone for all persons in all places. Its legendry healing and mystical powers add to the enchanting allure of the gem. And the fact that it is identified with royalty and the uppermost layers of society make the stone even more desirable

How to care for Amethyst jewelry

by Ardamun Ramdeva

Amethyst in rings will collect soap film, oil and dirt at the back and between the prongs of the mounting and the gemstone. Film from lotions, powders, and skin oils dulls Amethyst and reduces its brilliance.

Caring For Amethyst Jewelry

A member of the Quartz family, Amethyst is its most highly valued and recognizable gemstone. This transparent, purple gemstone is widely regarded as the most beautiful form of quartz. One of the best-known uses of Amethyst is in jewelry. As purple is regarded as the color of royalty, Amethyst is perfect for use in royal jewelry. It has been widely used in the Crown Jewels of England and was also found in the jewelry of ancient Egyptians.

Amethyst is due to the presence of manganese in quartz. The darker colored Amethyst is more valuable and is usually referred to as Siberian. The paler purple gemstone is known as Rose de France. Amethyst is mined in Africa, Australia and some parts of South America. The South American Amethyst is larger in size, but the African gem is known for its darker colors in smaller sizes. It is also found in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, but the quality is not acceptable for use in jewelry.

Amethyst and Jewelry

Once ranked along with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds as the most precious gemstones, today, Amethyst is valued much lower than the others because of its abundance. Its affordable price makes it a popular choice for jewelry. It has a hardness of 7 on the Moh’s scale and its color ranges from violet to pale-red violet.

Caring for Amethyst jewelry is a matter of common sense. Caring involves cleaning of your jewelry pieces. Amethyst jewelry needs to be cleaned periodically. Amethyst in rings will collect soap film, oil and dirt at the back and between the prongs of the mounting and the gemstone. Film from lotions, powders, and skin oils dulls Amethyst and reduces its brilliance. The lost luster and its brilliance can be restored by cleaning your Amethyst jewelry in a gentle dishwashing liquid and a soft brush. A rinse in warm water and drying with a soft cloth will return your jewelry and Amethyst to its former pristine condition.

Ensure that your jewelry is not subjected to random blows, such as during exercises. Avoid wearing jewelry while exercising. You can cause damage to your beautiful gemstone and dent and/or break the metal of the jewelry. Store your Amethyst jewelry while engaging in such strenuous activities.

Amethyst in your jewelry, in which your precious gemstone has not been enhanced in any way, may fade with long exposure to sunlight. Before using in jewelry, Amethyst is sometimes subjected to heat treatment to enhance its color. Yellow Amethyst is known as burnt Amethyst, as it turns to yellow when exposed to heat. Care needs to be taken to ensure that Amethyst jewelry, made with Amethyst that has been heated to enhance its color, is not exposed to high heat.

If cared properly, your Amethyst jewelry will give you years of wearing pleasure. There are chances that chlorine and salt water may discolor and fade the Amethyst in your jewelry. Ensure you leave your Amethyst jewelry at home when visiting your local pool or when spending a day at the beach.

In jewelry, Amethyst is used with sterling silver or gold. Care needs to be taken to ensure that these precious metals are also not damaged. Sterling Silver tarnishes naturally and needs regular cleaning. Store your Amethyst jewelry with sterling silver mounting, in a self-sealing plastic bag to slow down the tarnishing. Tarnishing can be removed by hand polishing with a soft cloth.

Hold your jewelry by the mounting and not by the Amethyst in it. This can cause the gemstone to loosen and there is a risk of losing it.

Amethyst Jewelry – Care and Cleaning

Fine Amethyst jewelry can last a lifetime. All it needs is proper care and cleaning. Cleaning your fine Amethyst jewelry is one way of keeping it bright and shinning, as it was on the day you first purchased it. Amethyst is fairly durable but still needs proper care:

* Clean your Amethyst jewelry regularly to remove the oil and soap film that distracts from its beauty.* Remove your Amethyst jewelry while exercising or playing sports. Your gemstone can be chipped or be jarred loose.

* Before wearing your jewelry, check for loose Amethyst.

* Avoid wearing jewelry during housework. Contact with household chemicals, specially ammonia-based, may discolor or damage your jewelry.

* Never store your jewelry in piles or together. This is to avoid scratching the Amethyst in your jewelry as well as the metal mounting. Harder gemstones, such as diamonds, can scratch Amethyst.

* Store your precious Amethyst jewelry in separate sections of the jewelry box or wrap them separately in soft cloths.

* Do not wear your jewelry in swimming pools and on beaches. The chlorine in the pool and the seawater can harm and discolor the Amethyst in your jewelry.

* Gold and sterling silver, the metals used with amethyst in jewelry have low hardness, from 2.5 to 4 on the Moh’s scale. Special care is needed to ensure they are not damaged and dented. Sterling silver being very soft can easily be marred by even fingernails.

* Do not soak your jewelry for extended periods in soap or other such solutions. It may harm the polish of your gemstone.

* Never ever use chlorine bleach to clean Amethyst jewelry.

* Never use toothpaste to clean your Amethyst jewelry. The abrasives in your toothpaste could mar the shine on Amethyst and the mounted metal.

If you do not want to risk cleaning your precious jewelry yourself, you can always have it cared for by a jeweler. There is no reason to believe that with care you may not be able to enjoy your Amethyst jewelry lifelong.

Amethyst Trivia

Amethyst is the birthstone of those born in February. Romans believed that Amethyst would guard against drunkenness. For this reason they had their drinking goblets made of Amethyst! Folklore has it that powers of Amethyst include: dreams, healing, peace, love, spiritual upliftment, courage, protection against thieves, and happiness.

For reasons of its purple color, in the middle ages only people of noble birth were allowed to wear Amethyst jewelry. Amethyst always played a key role in various cultures throughout history and was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, the Hebrews and the Christian Church.

Amethyst and its sister stone Citrine

by Yuman Hussain

Amethyst and Citrine is about the twin stones belonging to the same quartz family or Silicon dioxide sharing most of the properties and yet are different.

Amethyst a stunning purple and Citrine a brilliant yellow stone are varieties of common quartz differentiated only by the color. They belong to macro crystalline variety in which individual crystals are identifiable through naked eyes. The name Amethyst is derived from Greek word ‘Amethustos’ meaning not drunken. It is also possible that the purple color resembled wine hence the name or it was believed to ward off ill effects of alcohol. Citrine being one of the most affordable and beautiful stones derive its name from French word ‘citron’ meaning lemon. It has a lovely yellow color but is extremely rare to find in natural environment. It is generally believed that natural citrine may have occurred as a result of heat from magnetic bodies in close vicinity transforming the color of amethyst to yellow. This yellow color is due to ferric iron impurities in the natural form. Both the stones occur in various forms including as quartz veins and in druzy coverings inside agate lined gaps or cavities forming geodes. The main difference between citrine and amethyst is the presence of oxidized state of iron impurities which is reduced when heated. So what you see in the market is the heated amethyst resembling its yellow color. Amethyst is also heat treated to get attractive deep purple color. This heat treatment is permanent and can not be reversed under normal circumstances. The low grade amethyst is heated at the high temperature to produce the distinct yellow color. These citrine stones tend to have more orange or reddish in color than the natural stones which are pale yellow. Citrine together with amethyst can form bi-colored quartz called Ametrine.

Amethyst index of refraction ranges from 1.544-1.553 and hardness is 7 on the Mohs scale. The crystal system is Trigonal with no Pleochroism. Amethyst and Citrine both belong to Tectosilicate class. The specific gravity is 2.65.Citrine has identical chemical properties of Amethyst. The refraction index of 1.544 – 1.553. The hardness can measured 7 on the Mohs scale. The crystal system is also hexagonal. Citrine has macroscopic crystal structure with horizontal hexagonal prism forming six sided pyramids. It is transparent to translucent in color. The Pleochroism is perceptible in the stone.

Amethyst is often cut or faceted into cabochons for jewellery. Even the expensive gemstones like emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire etc are often compared to Amethyst for its beauty and color. Regarded as the birthstone for the month of February it is also associated with the astrological constellations of Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn. Amethyst is symbolic gemstone for 17th wedding anniversary. Available in several shades from pale lilac to deep purple it is mined in countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Zambia, Namibia and other South African countries. Rose de France is lilac or pale lavender shaded stone but the exotic ‘Siberian’ stone with deep violet color with red flashes is most sought after. Citrine is one of the birthstones for the month of November other being Topaz. It corresponds to the astrological constellations of Gemini, Aries, Libra and Leo. Gift citrine on your 13th wedding anniversary as it is the symbolic stone for that year. Since it is an inexpensive stone it is sometimes used as an alternative for Topaz. It is also available in all shapes and sizes with shades varying from yellow to gold to orange brown giving brightness to any piece of jewelry. Madeira named after wine is dark orange citrine quartz considered most valuable. Brazil with Rio Grande do Sul is an important mining area for natural citrine. The small deposits of natural citrine are also found at Ural Mountains in Russia, Dauphine, France and Madagascar where amethyst changed its color under natural high temperatures. However most of the citrine available in gem market today is heat treated amethyst. The dark sherry and gold orange colors are mostly preferred for jewelry.

Amethyst stone is considered to have healing properties. Right from ancient and medieval period amulets made from amethyst were worn guarding one from poison, protecting from enemies and victory on the battlefield. The Christians world wide considered it as stone representing piety and celibacy. It is also said to have strong ability to wean away from love effects. Many people believe that it contain the properties which can calm the senses and helps in meditation. Amethyst promotes mental stability and emotional well-being. It is said to aid in treating disorders related to digestive system, nervous system and provides relief from pain. Right from antiquity Citrine was also used by the people as protection against snake venom and guard against evil thoughts. This stone is said to stimulate mental capacities to enhance creativity. It can boost one’s self-confidence. It helps in removing toxins from the body and promoting healing. It can also work wonders in treating disorders related to heart, liver, kidney and digestive system. Amethyst stones and jewelry should be kept away from heated areas or hot sun as the intensive heat can fade and discolor the gem. It also makes the gem dry and brittle. The stones should be washed in plain warm water using mild soap. After washing it should be dried with soft cloth. Avoid giving it for ultrasonic cleaning as high vibration can sometimes damage the stone. Citrine jewelry which is made largely from heating Amethyst at controlled temperature should be used with care to preserve its dazzle. It should not be exposed to strong light or heat as it can permanently change its color. It gets scratches very easily so it should be kept separately.

Once considered at par with expensive gemstones like diamond, emerald ,ruby and sapphire. Amethyst has lost its past grandeur due to discovery of huge deposits in many parts of world including high quality ones from Brazil and Russia. Same is the case with citrine which is commercially produced on large scale in the laboratories. The attractive high quality stones can still manage to turn heads with envy.

Is Amethyst a Spiritual gemstone

by Ashutosh Roy

If you ever want to increase your awareness regarding your inner aspects for the spurt of your spiritual growth, you must sharpen your third eye and try to look into the world by your third eye. Amethyst plays the most significant role in opening your third eye and reenergizes the same for heightening awareness.

Amethyst – Opener of the third eye

Amethyst got eminence in the world of astrology for its power of self-awakening and wisdom, the ultimate goal of life. But how many of us know about its marvelous power of opening the invisible third eye as a reality to look into the core of everything around which is still en enigma to most of us.

Amethyst is one of the historic stones, regarded as “nature’s tranquilizer” starting from the Greek civilization. The ball started rolling and rolling as Amethyst even today is believed to be a stone for awakening wisdom.

The name Amethyst has been derived from the Greek word amethystus. The meaning is “Not drunken” or “not intoxicated”. For a Chemistry student, the word Methylene resembles intoxication. So, Amethyst, which stands for anti-intoxication, symbolizes purification, pacification of the human being.

The main recognition of Amethyst is in its colour and lack of cleavage. The purple colour, radiates by Amethyst symbolizes spirituality, though the purple colour is a result of some impurities of Iron (Fe4+) deposited in the crystal structure of quartz. Remember the purple colour has always been associated with royalty also.

Astrologically the Amethyst is the birthstone of February and the stone for 17th Anniversary. The astrological signs of this pacifying crystalline quartz gemstone are Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn

The anti-alcoholic nature of Amethyst is supported by the fact of life that even if plain water is poured into a glass made of amethyst; it will reflect the colour of wine. The colour of water in disguise of alcohol will deceive the drunker at time of excess consumption and the normal inebriate effect will be nullified. So, people started believing that Amethyst can protect one from drunkenness when consuming alcohol. This had become a firm conviction of the Greeks and even in medieval times. The myth is that Amethyst helps even removing toxins from the body and highly useful for stopping psychic attack. Its said to be an excellent healer for vital body parts like hurt and lung. Its utility in treatment for arthritis and insomnia has been widely accepted. Ancient Egyptians had been using it as a protection against evil powers like witchcraft.

The deceiving feature of Amethyst has been appraised highly to stop the drainage of energy level through intoxication, which paves the way of ‘channelizing’ the energy level towards strength, stability, wisdom, vigor and spirituality. In fact the enormous contribution of Amethyst for stopping misuse of energy and bad habits have placed the gemstone in the realm of purification and pacification. Amethyst has been found to be keeping at home to captivate the positive energies by removing the negatives or impurities. Amethyst is said to guard against self-deception and negative feelings like guilty or fear. It had become the Bishop’s stone in the Christ age and even today most of the catholic Bishops prefer to wear Amethyst as a symbol of prayer and faith to the Almighty.

As Amethyst becomes instrumental in reducing extra alcoholism, it has been started to be recognized as a teacher of all spiritual and psychic attitudes of human beings. Amethyst cleanses body, mind and soul, essential for awakening of inner self. Not only, the physical parts, Amethyst clears blockage from the Chakras also. The purification power helps in removing the past “sins”, the gateway to the God. The awakening of wisdom helps restructuring your body parts for spiritual development. This holistic gemstone has got the capacity of realigning the charkas also. Amethyst is even said to renew your energy level and create a balance the chakras by transforming energies at all levels, whenever required. The spiritual growth enables you to appreciate the concept of rebirth and the truth of death, which means only the death of the physical organs carrying one’s karma for the next birth.

Amethyst and wisdom have become synonymous as it is said to be the most effective stone for the sixth chakra, the brow and the seventh chakra, the crown. How does it help you? If you ever think of exploring your spiritual power then you need to essentially concentrate and focus in Self-assurance, meditation, spiritual gateways and finally a total surrender.

First of all let us talk about the inner awareness. If you ever want to increase your awareness regarding your inner aspects for the spurt of your spiritual growth, you must sharpen your third eye and try to look into the world by your third eye. Amethyst plays the most significant role in opening your third eye and reenergizes the same for heightening awareness. Saints believe that there is a continuous flow of energy through the cycle of throat to forehead. Its generally subdued and gets activated either by meditation or by invoking an extra spiritual nudge by Guru or saints. Amethyst is believed to play this key role. If you have any Amethyst jewelry, just hold it on the top of your head for 30 to 60 seconds and then bring it back to its normal position. This technique will open your third eye and make the energy flow steady. Even gem therapy advises to keep an amethyst below the pillow for a sound sleep and rub it in the forehead for immediate relief from headache. So the technique of using Amethyst may reveal your inner-self exposing you to the spiritual world. The astrologers believe that the 7th Chakra, the Crown stands for controlling mental activity by restructuring and harmonizing the energy level.

Amethyst aids both Brow and Crown chakra. The combination of power of these two chakras helps in meditation and allows you to recall your older births and lifestyles, slowly opening your door to the spiritual realm. The power of introspection, self-analysis, realization, consciousness are the key benefits of utilizing the 6th and 7th chakras properly. The soothing colour of the Amethyst helps you in relieving stress and unwanted blockade of your mind set to give you a fresh energy level for your psychic development and increase your intuition power to explore your hidden knowledge.

And gradually you will step into the world, which is obviously beyond the scientific reasoning, where even Einstein had to say, “God… yet to be discovered”.