Amethyst

Image used with permission from
Dad's Rock Shop

Amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos" which can basically be translated as "not drunken." Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why the Romans and Greeks often carved wine goblets from it.

Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and increase the intelligence. It was also believed to encourage celibacy and rings of amethyst are often worn by ranking members of the Catholic Church, such as bishops. Similarly, Tibetan Buddhists believe the crystal to be sacred to the Buddha and use amethyst in rosaries.

Amethyst stones that are suitable for cutting as ornamental stones come from relatively few sites such as Santa Cruz in Brazil, Mursinka in Russia, and India.

The healing properties for Amethyst include relief from insomnia and headaches and migraines. Amethyst also helps with the disorders of the nervous system, the heart, the digestive tract and stomach. This stone is highly connected to spirituality. Amethyst has a calming, comforting effect during times of stress or sadness.




Glossary