Amethysts
To buy amethysts does not mean that you need to know all about amethysts but it will certainly help to know as much about amethysts as possible.
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz mostly used in jewelery. The name comes from the Greek a ‘not’ and methuskein ‘to intoxicate’, a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness; the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.
On exposure to heat, amethyst generally becomes yellow, and much of the citrine, cairngorm, or yellow quartz of jewelry is said to be merely “burnt amethyst”. Veins of amethystine quartz are apt to lose their color on the exposed outcrop.
Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians as well as by the Anglo-Saxon in England. It is a widely distributed mineral, but fine, clear specimens that are suitable for cutting as ornamental stones are confined to comparatively few localities. Such crystals occur either in the cavities of mineral-veins and in granitic rocks. Much of the fine amethyst comes from Russia, where it occurs in cavities in granitic rocks. Many localities in India also produce amethyst; and it is found also in Sri Lanka, but chiefly as pebbles.
According to Wikipedia,
“Amethyst is the birthstone associated with February. It is also associated with the Astrological signs of 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. Ranking members of the Catholic Church traditionally wear rings set with a large amethyst as part of their office.”
“The Greek word ‘amethystos’ basically can be translated as ‘not drunken.’. Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it. Supposedly, when a drunken Dionysus was pursuing a maiden called Amethystos, who refused his affections, she prayed to the gods to remain chaste. The goddess Artemis granted the prayer, transforming her into a white stone; humbled by Amethystos’ desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone she had become as an offering, dying the crystals purple.”
“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 made of amethyst are often worn by bishops. Similarly, Tibetan Buddhists believe the crystal to be sacred to the Buddha and use amethyst in rosaries.”
Amethyst even occurs at many localities in the United States, but these specimens are rarely fine enough for use in jewelry. Amethyst is also relatively common in northwestern Ontario, but uncommon elsewhere in Canada.
Buying amethysts jewelery is comparatively easy. There is plenty around. Just ensure the dealer or jeweler gives you a guarantee that it is an amethyst and accompanies it with a certificate of appraisal to show its qualities and worth. There are good quality amethysts and not so good quality amethysts so you want to be sure you are getting a good one.