The History Of Amethyst

By John S Stewart


Amethyst Pendants, Amethyst earrings and Amethyst Rings are associated with all kinds of 6th anniversaries, hold the birthstone for February, preferred gem of St. Valentines and Zodiac gemstone for Pisces.

The gemstone called Amethyst has always been known as the "Papal Stone", from Greek mythology as being the gemstone of the gods, and prevent drunkenness!



The Amethyst Poem

The February born shall find

Sincerity and peace of mind,

Freedom from passion and from care,

If they, the amethyst will wear.


Its colour is as unique as it is seductive, though in fact this gemstone of all gemstones is said to protect its wearer against seduction. The amethyst is extravagance in violet.

For several thousands of years, the most striking representative of the family of quartz gemstones has been coveted by princes both ecclesiastical and secular. Moses described the symbol of the Spirit of God in the guise of the official high priest of the Jews, and the Russian Empress Catherine the Great sent thousands of miners in the Urals to look for this gemstone. Legend suggests the amethyst offers protection against drunkenness - the Greek words "amethystos" means "not drunk" in its translation. More apt a stone in February, especially if you have a lot of things in line for celebrations, could thus hardly be desired.

Many other miraculous powers has been put on the amethyst in all sorts of cultures. It has been said to protect plants against storms and locusts, bring good luck in war and hunting, to chase away evil spirits and inspire the intellect. Some research reveals the old works of Pliny, that this gemstone if is worn around the neck on a necklace of dog hair, provides some protection against snake bites. It was also reported that eagles placed amethyst in their nest to protect their small from danger.

In addition to these powers, historians say that the amethyst gemstones has a dampening effect on the brain and cleanses the spirit. Amethyst is also said to suppress the excessive secretion of gastric acid and, according to Hildegard von Bingen, to fight against insect bites and make the skin more beautiful to look at. But with the amethyst not only had they found a niche in medicine, it was also considered a stone of friendship. And because it was believed that it gave the user such sound mind and symbolized trust, the amethyst came to occupy a very important role with that of Catholic priests throughout history. It was the gemstone of the cardinals and bishops, who used it in cross pendants, and in the ring of the Pope in the 15th century in Italy, it was known as the "papal" stone.

In old ancient times, the amethyst was already being engraved and cut into various sculptured shapes, as examples with a bust of Trajan in Berlin which Napoleon captured. Amethyst quartz that is banded with whitish layers, is particularly pleasant to work with, but it is always transparent or opaque. In the early days, people liked to drink wine in bowls made from amethyst, which brings us back to the fact that this stone gave protection against alcoholism. According to the saga from ancient Greece, Diana turned a nymph who loved Bacchus into an amethyst, hence the term Bacchus stone. Anyone who wants to protect a drunkard from delirium mixed amethyst powder in fluid that the person was to drink.

Thank you for reading my article - I hope it has been of some interest.




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