Different Amethyst Treatment

by Yuman Hussain

Different Amethyst treatment tells about different laboratory treatments of Amethyst including heat treatment and irradiation process and its effect including its commercial value.

Different Amethyst Treatment, its Effect and respective Commercial Value

Amethyst has been the most sought after stone from time immemorial. It was the favorite stone of British monarchy and sparkled in the crown of Catherine the Great and ancient Egyptian royals. Amethyst being birth stone for the month of February is the common quartz used in jewelry. The healing and magical properties of Amethyst made it valuable right from the middle Ages. Amethyst was considered symbol of celibacy and piety by the Christian Priests in the western countries. Considered as a strong antidote against drunkenness it literally meant ‘not to intoxicate’ in ancient Greece. Violet and Purple varieties of Amethyst are considered as symbol of heaven, as they are related to the constellations of Pisces and Aries.

Amethyst is transparent quartz having the presence of manganese, which produces the stunning purple color. It also has iron content which adds variation to the colors. Its brilliant color is therefore often compared with most expensive gemstones. Generally cut in a six sided prismatic crystal shape it produces a sparkling cluster. Amethyst are available in wide range of sizes, shapes and colors from deep purple which are considered valuable particularly a rich purple with rose flashes to pale colors like Lilac.

This hard and versatile stone is available world wide however different regions produce their own unique varieties. Most of these stones are mined in Latin American countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Bolivia as well as in some African countries like Zambia and Namibia. The stones from the mines of South America are usually larger in size but the African stones are considered better in color and saturation. Some dark colored small sized amethysts are mined in Australia also. These stones are graded according to clarity and color. The Siberian stones belong to higher grade outclass all other competitors in richness and depth of their violet and purple hues. Uruguay mines produce medium grade stone having properties of medium to dark tone and moderate to strong saturation. The lower grade Amethyst in light to medium color is found in Brazil.

To enhance the beauty many gemstones are treated to various processes since antiquity. These human initiated processes are basically done to improve the nature and color of the stones. These are usually undetectable and somewhat irreversible processes. The two main processes are heat treatment and irradiation which if done properly can dramatically change the Amethyst’s clarity.

Heating

Heating is the most common treatment which can alter the color of a stone to lighten, darken, or change completely. Very dark amethyst is heated to produce lighter shades. Most of the amethyst available in the gem market is enhanced to get exotic shades. On treating Amethyst under controlled conditions one can produce some very astonishing colors or intensify the royal purple color at 400c to 600c. This heat treatment causes inclusions to expand causing tiny fractures in the crystal surrounding them. It is a permanent and common Amethyst treatment and last forever. Most of the large darker stones exhibiting color zoning are often heat-treated to produce dramatic color changes.

Citrine from Amethyst

Citrine, yellow colored quartz though occurs naturally is produced by heating amethyst with the proper iron content under controlled conditions. It was discovered long ago that by heat-treating light colored amethyst or smoky quartz a small percentage would turn into attractive golden yellow color. The only difference between amethyst and citrine is the oxidation state of the iron impurities present in the quartz. When heated, the iron impurities are reduced to make amethyst’s purple color to fade and turn yellow to reddish-orange (citrine). This process depends on various factors including the percentage of the iron impurities present and the heating duration and time. Much of citrine which comes from Brazil is heat-treated. Some unusual like golden orange or Rio Grande citrine or dark sherry colored or Madeira citrine are highly prized. On subsequent heating amethyst looses color and turns grey or white making it worthless.

Vermarine or Prasiolite

There is green quartz called ‘Greened’ amethyst or Vermarine also known as Prasiolite having light to medium color. It is produced by careful heating of Brazilian amethyst. A collector’s item though inexpensive is not available easily. The heat treatment of Amethyst between 878 and 1382 degrees F may produce light yellow, red, brown, green or colorless varieties of stones. The result of heat treating these gems are stable so they hardly require any special care while wearing .But they should not be steam-cleaned due to their susceptibility to heat.
Irradiation

Sometimes irradiation an uncommon treatment is used to get unusual colors like clear green or dark/black smoky quartz. This process involves penetrating material with subatomic Gamma rays. These rays invade the electrons of the gems making them lose and captured by other atoms. It changes the light absorbing pattern and hence the change in the color. In the irradiated quartz crystal the color distribution would be more at the terminations and less at the roof. Through this process Amethyst can get its original purple color from the yellow citrine which re-oxidizes the iron impurities. This irradiation occurs either by synthetic means in the lab, or through natural radioactive decaying of minerals present in close vicinity. In most cases this is a reversible process. But excessive heat can change the distribution of the iron impurities within the quartz making it impossible to convert it back to amethyst.

Though considered at par with precious gemstones like Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald , Amethyst has lost much of its value due to easy availability and discovery of vast deposits in some Latin American countries like Brazil. Earlier Amethyst was a prized possession due to its scarcity. In the recent years the technological advancements have led to its wide spread imitation in the labs making it the most market friendly stone.

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.

Amethyst Crystal Structure

by Yumain Hussain

Molecular structure of amethyst consist of chains of silicon tetrahedrons with six-sided pointed long pyramids. Most of the amethyst mined from different places and sources show remarkable differences in the molecular structure.

Figure: 1. Tetrahedron of Amethyst crystal depicting silica at the centre surrounded by four anions at the corners of the triangular pyramid.Source: http://ist-socrates.berkeley.edu/~ep2/wisc/

It has trigonal crystal system consisting of chains of silicon tetrahedrons with six-sided pointed long pyramids

Figure 2: Amethyst Trigonal system with six-sided pointed long pyramids. Source: www.gggems.com-images-Amethyst%20croquis-quscalenAY_jpg.htm

Each tetrahedron is linked to other tetrahedral making cross-linked framework.

Figure 3. Amethyst Crystals showing cross-linked framework Source: making matter minerals and gemstones.htm

Sometimes it also forms druzies which are crystalline crusts showing pointed termination filling the fissures and fractures within the rocks. It is happens due to the molecular structure. Quartz is generally colorless in its pure form. It is only through impurities it gains color. Amethyst crystal has excessive iron within its structure. These iron atoms are aligned rather than scattered. When light passes through, the crystal appears purple. It is the low level radiation emission from the nearby rocks causes alignment of iron within the Amethyst crystal. It is common to find phantom quartz shapes composed of other minerals visible inside the amethyst crystal. It is basically the earlier stage of the crystal formation. These shapes form a coating on the surface giving a distinct color. The crystal than starts crystallization with a phantom crystal outline within itself.

Figure 4. Amethyst elongated crystal showing phantom crystal outline source:http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/gemstone/amethsyt

Most of the amethyst mined from different sources and areas show different molecular structure and occurrence. Mexican amethyst from Vera Cruz are in the form of pale, clear and prismatic crystals. They are double terminated and found grown on light colored host rock. These quartz show phantom shapes that is clear quartz interior and amethyst colored exterior. Guerrero mines in Mexico have amethyst stones which are dark purple prismatic crystals radiating outward from a common attachment point. These also show phantom shapes with purple interior and white quartz exterior. Mexican stones are considered valuable than their counterparts found in other areas. Many amethyst crystals also occur as massive or pyramidal druzy clusters. In Brazilian mines the quartz occurs with agate. Formed as druzy crusts these are lined inside volcanic vugs or rock pockets. They are light to medium violet colored only at the top of the crystal. Some of these vugs were formed from trees which withered away during volcano eruptions several million years ago. Maraba in Brazil have large crystals of pale to medium color. Uruguay mines have amethyst crystals occurring as large geodes or gas bubbles and pipes. These are dark to medium colored formed in druzy crusts lining the inside of the geodes and pipes. The crystals are fully colored with agate as base. A significant quantity of large sized amethyst is found in Zambia and South Africa. Though these are not very attractive, the interior color and clarity are excellent making them as an object of desire for jewelry. Some amethyst crystal with parallel growth clusters are found in some places in Italy. These are similar to those found in Mexican mines. German mines have amethyst crystal grown together with colorful agates forming a light colored druzy crust. Ural Mountains in Russia are another zone where very clear and dark variety of amethyst are mined and cut into exclusive gemstones. There are several places in Canada and USA which produce amethyst. These are located inside fissures of rocks mostly as druzy clusters .They display a wide range of colors from bluish violet to brownish purple. For example-Thunder Bay mines of Canada show unusual reddish hematite inclusions just below the quartz surface. Clusters are formed with druzy crusts lining the fissures of metamorphic rock. Amethyst crystals are formed as flat hexagon with alternate purple and clear quartz sections formed by numerous crystals twinning in planes. The Colorado mines have amethyst druzy clusters inside fissures of sandstone. These are found often on top of green fluorite crust. North Carolina mines produce druzy clusters of amethyst with blue-violent tint. No two amethyst crystals are similar in color or composition. One crystal may show pale pink to lavender shade near the base to a deep dark purple at the point where as the other crystal may show uniform purple color from base to top. This happens due to process called crystal zoning which is layers of different colors caused by changing compositions of the fluids that formed the amethyst.

Amethyst is graded according to the high, medium and low categories based on crystal structure and clarity of colour. However it is always rounded cut to highlight the color. Almost all amethyst stones are lab- heated to intensify the dark color. This is a permanent process usually irreversible in normal circumstances. Due to its different crystal shapes and stunning colors Amethyst is an attractive item for the mineral collectors.

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”.

Amethyst facts – another perspective

by Nandita Ray

Amethyst is a crystal. Crystals are built out of atoms. Atoms are made up of protons, neutron and electron. When the atoms of a mineral are arranged in a particular manner i.e. the mineral has a definite internal order due to the periodic arrangement of atoms in three dimensions, it is called a crystal.

Amethyst is a crystal. It falls in the quartz group of minerals. It is the purple variety of quartz Si02. It comes in various shades of purple. It is a mineral gemstone, growing in rocks found on the surface of the earth. It is considered a precious stone. Minerals can only be identified by x-rays and chemical tests. These tests help determine the structure and the chemical composition of the mineral.

Formation: The presence of manganese in quartz leads to purple amethyst. While yellow quartz is said to be burnt amethyst. If exposed to extreme heat, amethyst turns yellow. Ferric thiocynate and even sulfur was detected in this mineral. Amethyst usually forms as clusters of crystals. Quartz is silicon dioxide. It is a silicate. Amethyst is a polymorph of silicon dioxide and its other eight structures are called quartz. All members of this group are rare except for the quartz. Quartz is the most common mineral found easily in any environment and is a part of every rock type.

Such crystals grow in the cavities or holes in the rocks. Sometimes it forms a lining inside the narrow veins of the parent rock or in geodes. A geode is a huge hollow which contains a crop of amethyst crystals growing inside it. As water seeps or flows through these rocks and cavities, interaction between the minerals present in the rock and in the running water takes place and due to this chemical reaction, the crystals of amethyst is formed.

Water is composed of water molecules. Though the molecules are tightly packed, they do not stick together. They do not form any rigid structure and therefore water has no fixed shape and takes the shape of the container. How ever it resists compression. If the temperature is drastically reduced, a marked change takes place in the physical character of the water. Under close microscopic examination it is found that the molecules suddenly align with one another to make a rigid hexagonal lattice. It can now hold a fixed shape. This leads to the formation of crystal.

Water which is flowing over the minerals present in the rock interacts with these minerals. If the solution thus formed, under goes a temperature change, the solution will either evaporate or cool down. The mineral present in it will precipitate. (Example- the formation of salt crystals due to evaporation of sea water) The mineral that is formed is due to the dissolved elements in the water and the minerals present in the rocks. If the rock has silica which is sandstone, amethyst will be formed. The chemical reaction between silicon and oxygen leads to the formation of amethyst. Water plays an important part in the formation and it is usually rain water that carries many dissolved minerals in it. When the water evaporates, the silica gets left behind in form of crystals, in cracks and hollows of the parent rock.

Amethyst is a crystal. Crystals are built out of atoms. Atoms are made up of protons, neutron and electron. When the atoms of a mineral are arranged in a particular manner i.e. the mineral has a definite internal order due to the periodic arrangement of atoms in three dimensions, it is called a crystal. Regular forms of large crystals show internal atomic order. Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that are crystalline crusts and have pointed ends called druses. Amethyst can also occur as six sided pyramids at either ends. Crystals having well developed crystal faces are called euchedral. Crystals do not always have well developed faces. Crystals must have the negative and positive charges balanced. Silicate minerals have structures having enough silica (sand) tetrahedral i.e. a tetrahedron with a Si at the center, surrounded by four oxygen anions. Many silicates contain linkages of silica tetrahedral. This is the core of the structure. Silicates minerals are divided based on the position of the tetrahedral formation. Example-amethyst, in which tetrahedron is linked to four other tetrahedral, making a cross linked framework. Amethyst crystals can be hexagonal, can be tall prismatic crystals or can be short and stubby ones.

Sometimes amethyst is also formed when red hot magma i.e. molten rock seeps into the crevices and hollows of a parent rock and gets cooled. It is a complex high temperature silica solution with temperature ranging from 600-1200 degree centigrade. It is under high pressure and is composed of silica and iron. As the magma cools, crystallization of the water rich magma containing lots of rare elements and volatilities fills up the cracks and quartz is formed as gem crystals. Quartz is a low pressure temperature polymorph of SiO2. It is composed of irregular superposition of alternate lamella of right handed and left handed quartz. This is believed to be due mechanical stresses. As a result, amethyst easily breaks up in a rippled fracture.

Amethyst crystals can be found in vugs which are holes in the rock. This vug is formed by dissolving or eroding the parent rock and forming a deep cavity. They are also called rock pockets and are formed from trees that were covered by lava flow millions of years ago. It can also be found in a geode. A geode is a hollow stone that lies buried in a parent rock that has absolutely different mineral composition.