Virtues of the Amethyst Stone

Amethyst is a single-crystal silicon dioxide gem. It belongs to the tectosilicate family.

Formed under very particular conditions, it displays its characteristic violet colour. Like the other quartz varieties in its mineral family, it owes its modern definition to Georgius Agricola.

Amethyst crystals grow under very particular conditions. Within solidified basaltic lava flows, trapped gas bubbles form geodes. Their size ranges from a few centimetres to several dozen metres.

Inside, crystals grow century after century. They draw the silica they need from the surrounding hydrothermal fluids. If the volcanic waters contain iron, then the amethyst turns violet. Occasionally, gems even appear in Alpine fissures and along hydrothermal veins.

These extraordinary natural geodes fascinate mineralogists and crystal therapists alike. They sometimes fetch their weight in gold. Most of the time, it is museums or wealthy collectors who acquire the most imposing ones.

At present, the largest geode ever discovered lies in Naica, Mexico. Its selenite crystals reach up to 12 metres. Access to this geological formation, unique in the world, nevertheless remains closed to the public. Located deep underground, its infernal heat and high humidity make any form of tourism impossible.

In Atherton, Australia, the « Crystal Caves » display to the public a geode known the world over. This remarkable amethyst formation is named « Empress of Uruguay ». It stands 3.27 metres tall and weighs 2.5 tonnes. Although it can hardly rival its giant sisters, it is lined with crystals of extreme fineness that increase its value.

12% of the lithospheric mass of our planet is made up of quartz. This compound of oxygen and silica mingles with many geological elements. Beyond pure crystals such as amethyst, it is naturally present in certain common rocks : sandstone, granite, quartzite, gneiss, and so on.

Crystal healing regularly turns to gemstones belonging to the quartz family. Whether they protect or heal, they all possess unique properties and benefits. Essentially, we distinguish two broad categories of crystals used in crystal healing :

• the single-crystal quartzes, prized for their purity. They include amethyst, rock crystal, rose or smoky quartz, hematoid quartz, citrine, ametrine, and so on ;

• the polycrystalline quartzes, formed from multiple crystals. These derivatives of chalcedony bring together carnelian, agate, bloodstone, onyx, jasper, chrysoprase, and so on.

Amethyst stands apart from other quartzes by its violet tint. Sometimes imitated, it nevertheless remains easy to recognise thanks to its unique properties.

In its natural state, it takes the form of a pseudo-hexagonal prismatic crystal, ending in a rhombohedron. It is therefore a six-faced prism with unequal edges.

Within a single stone, several shades, from milky blue to lilac, coexist. Heated above 150°, amethyst gradually turns yellow.

Today, amethyst is counterfeited with ease. The process takes several weeks, yet it yields industrial quantities of crystals. These synthetic stones, sometimes passed off as natural, can be recognised by their absence of twinning, the signature of geological growth. Natural crystals also feature striated faces, perpendicular to their axis. Like twinning, these striations bear witness to their growth.

To imitate the stone’s mauve colour, the least talented forgers even paint geodes containing other kinds of crystals. A simple cleaning is enough to expose the deception : the paint does not survive water. Fortunately, such counterfeits rarely affect amethyst jewellery.

Like the other members of its family, amethyst withstands heat and dissolution in acid. Its hardness on the Mohs scale stands at 7, which makes it capable of scratching glass. It has a constant density of 2.65, in the lower average range of silicates.

Once deemed rare, amethyst is in fact fairly common on Earth. It is valued both as an ornament and as a therapeutic tool. Not content with being beautiful, it also boasts numerous properties sought after by crystal therapists. Among them, some are even recognised and used by science.

Until the early 20th century, only a few amethyst operations extracted geodes in Europe. Advances in geology and the growth of exploration companies quickly led to the discovery of major veins around the world. Today, the main active deposits are located in :

• the Stavelot Massif in Belgium ;
• Mont de l’Aigle and Mont Lyall in Canada ;
• the Vosges range and the Massif Central in France ;
• the Itremo massif in Madagascar ;
• the Sierra Madre del Sur range and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in Mexico ;
• the Serra Gaúcha in Brazil and Uruguay ;
• Pyhä-Luosto in Finland.

A few other deposits, worked on a smaller scale, exist elsewhere across the globe. Thus, amethyst is also mined in Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Cambodia, China, Congo, Korea, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, Tanzania, the USA, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Like rock crystal, amethyst is mass-produced using autoclaves. To meet its substantial needs, industry systematically relies on these synthetic gems.

Their absence of inclusions and twinning enhances their properties. Hundreds of tonnes of artificial quartz are grown this way each year in giant autoclaves. Jewellers and goldsmiths, however, prefer natural amethysts to them.

To reinforce structures, manufacturers ordinarily use crushed quartz. It proves ideal in street furniture.

Other techniques, such as sandblasting, also rely on crystals ground into powder.

Amethyst’s distinctiveness lies above all in its electrical properties. The absence of a centre of symmetry in its atomic structure gives it piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. When a magnetic field is applied to the quartz, it deforms. It harmonises its vibrations and begins to oscillate. These vibratory properties prove essential to the working of our watches. Synthetic crystals possess the same electrical properties, only more pronounced.

Amethyst owes its reputation chiefly to its beauty. Cut with precision, the gems look remarkably like precious jewels. Their translucency and their mauve tint have long captivated jewellery lovers.

By placing amethyst at the heart of their practice, crystal therapists were certainly not mistaken!

From Antiquity onward, this gemstone held a prominent place within Western myths. Yet it remained relatively absent from the beliefs of the rest of the world. Worn and cherished throughout European history, it left its mark on the peoples of our continent.

Western beliefs about amethyst are rooted directly in the Greek myths.

This gemstone is linked to the figures of Bacchus and Silenus.

Its violet tint reminded the Greeks of decanted wine diluted with water.

Thus, it protected them from alcohol. Its ancient virtues are, moreover, echoed in the etymology of its name. Amethystos means « that which protects from drunkenness ». To enjoy the stone’s benefits, the Greeks, and later the Romans, fashioned their cups from amethyst.

Following the Greeks, the Romans took up the Dionysian myths. The writings of Pliny the Elder bear witness to the beliefs of the time.

According to him, his contemporaries ascribed varied virtues to amethyst, always associating it with the god of wine and revelry.

In addition to its protection against drunkenness, it warded off curses, sheltered the fields from bad weather and favoured social advancement.

Each of these benefits came with a ritual. The stone had to be worn in a specific way, engraved with a particular word or paired with various objects.

Many crystal therapists evoke the myth of the love between Dionysus and the nymph Amethyst. However, while Dionysus became smitten with Ampelos, Ariadne, Althaea, Aphrodite and Nicaea, no Amethyst appears among his conquests.

This confusion stems from the 16th-century poem by Rémy Belleau. Entitled The Loves of Bacchus and Amethyst, its original version shows the nymph driven to panic by the god’s love. To remain pure and chaste, she begs Diana to turn her into stone. Mad with rage, her Olympian lover decrees that cups made from this gem will strip away the pleasure of wine-induced drunkenness.

Another version of the poetic myth, reinterpreted by Henriette Védrine, attributes this metamorphosis to Jupiter. To spare his son a marriage unworthy of him, the father of Olympus turns the nymph into an ugly stone. Grief-stricken, Bacchus in turn enchants his beloved. He grants her a magnetic beauty, temperance and protection against drunkenness.

In the Christian era, amethyst was associated with chastity. It favoured celibacy, humility and faith. 

Leonardo da Vinci himself claimed it was capable of dispelling evil thoughts, improving concentration and heightening human intelligence.

In the Middle Ages, jewellery made from this gemstone was therefore a sign of seriousness and piety.

In the 12th century, in his apocalyptic lapidary, Philippe de Thaon also attests to these medieval beliefs. He even credits the stone with further virtues. It protected against creatures of the night, fever, imprisonment, and horses against disease. According to him, amethyst also enriches one’s personal life and improves the complexion and eyesight.

Amethyst is a spiritual stone. Its energetic properties link it to the mental power of human beings.

Although little present in Asia, it permeates Buddhism, which associates it with virtues of wisdom and piety. It also holds an important place among Catholic priests.

In many religions, amethyst takes on a priestly dimension. From the Celtic druids to the Indian brahmins, it is the stone of faith and wisdom par excellence. Priests wear it as a symbol of their piety.

The Church uses amethyst in its adornments. It appears in the Gospel according to Saint John and even numbers among the precious stones that form the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Its virtues appeal particularly to Catholic priests. It strengthens their vows and helps them stay on the straight and narrow. Until the council of 1962, Catholic bishops adorned their pastoral ring with amethysts in this way.

Buddhist monks fashion amethyst into prayer beads, necklaces and pendants. They call it the stone of the spiritual path. It forms a powerful bond with the 7th chakra, also known as the Crown (Sahasrara).

Amethyst fosters the divine presence. Thanks to its pure vibrations, it strengthens and purifies your aura.

Especially prevalent in the West, amethyst is linked to the stars and constellations. Astrology specialists often associate it :

• with Aries. Born between 21 March and 20 April, this fire sign reflects its strength and energy ;
• with Scorpio. Born between 24 October and 22 November, this water sign recalls the harmony and circulation of its energies ;
• with Sagittarius. Born between 23 November and 21 December, this fire sign evokes its volcanic vitality ;
• with Pisces. Born between 20 February and 20 March, this water sign, like the stone itself, points to the world of dreams.

All gemstones possess great potential. Alternative medicines harness their virtues through suitable methods. They draw on the knowledge of our ancestors and make the most of the mysterious powers of crystals. Amethyst, with its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, possesses an exceptional vibratory power. Every gentle medicine draws on its virtues of spiritual elevation and concentration.

Feng shui is a thousand-year-old Chinese practice. It cleanses your living spaces by harmonising their energies. Purifying your home improves your overall health and your day-to-day well-being.

Feng shui practitioners regularly use amethyst geodes. As a water stone, it absorbs and amplifies electromagnetic energies. It purifies the air and brings you peace.

An amethyst gem can also be placed in a small dish, to the East, alongside four other elemental crystals. Together, they foster family and friendly relationships. If you are prone to insomnia, a geode placed near your bed will improve the quality of your sleep.

For dowsers, stones serve to catalyse their perceptions. They detect vibrations and radiations. With his pendulum and Bovis scale, the practitioner uncovers your condition. He probes your body and diagnoses the ailment that afflicts you.

If you are new to dowsing, amethyst pendulums are ideal.

This stone, linked to intuition and the spiritual world, is perfect for supporting you in your practice. Similar to those of rock crystal, its amplifying abilities make it a gemstone highly prized by dowsers.

A complementary, alternative and unconventional medicine, crystal healing draws its knowledge from ancestral human cultures. It rests on age-old traditions and beliefs.

Even though science grants it only a placebo effect, crystal healing regularly proves its effectiveness. Pragmatic, it harnesses the vibratory potential of stones. It offers genuine support against physical and mental conditions.

There are many pieces of jewellery designed specifically for this alternative medicine. Made by experienced artisans, these pendants and bracelets let you enjoy the benefits of amethyst every day.

Please note: crystal healing is no substitute for the prescriptions of a health professional! While crystal healing is valued for its gentleness, it never replaces conventional treatment. Gemstones support and accompany you on your path to recovery. They reinforce your body’s predisposition to regenerate, but they are not sufficient on their own. If you suffer from a medical condition, consult your general practitioner first.

To preserve all their benefits, gemstones of the quartz family require regular care. Through simple rituals, you can cleanse and recharge the energy of your jewellery and your tumbled stones. In the case of certain crystals, such as tiger’s eye, this purification even protects you from negative effects.

As they lavish their benefits upon you, gemstones gradually accumulate negative energies. This is why purifying them is absolutely essential.

To cleanse your amethyst, the most traditional ritual consists of immersing it for three hours in spring water. Demineralised or salt water even increases its electrical neutrality. It absorbs its residual energies more effectively.

When your amethyst is set on a metal mount, remember to dry it properly. Water, especially salt water, causes jewellery to oxidise.

If your amethyst has not been cleansed for a long time, purify it directly in the earth. Simply bury it in a shallow hole. To find it again, note its exact position. It should remain buried for three weeks for maximum effectiveness.

Gemstones of the quartz family generally recharge in the sun. The power of the star benefits these crystals with remarkable optical properties. Amethyst, however, is an exception.

Indeed, this violet stone tolerates prolonged exposure to daylight poorly. The sun alters its colour and turns it yellow. So favour the lunar body instead. The full moon recharges your amethyst effectively and regenerates its benefits without spoiling its lustre.

Amethyst has a powerful connection with the divine. In crystal healing, it is a remarkable tool for calm and relaxation. Practitioners credit it with powers of purification, release and unwinding.

To fully enjoy the benefits of amethyst, wear it as jewellery, in the form of a pendant or a bracelet.

Each gemstone possesses its own virtues. To multiply them, combine different gems together on bracelets or strings of beads. Some complement and reinforce one another.

• Amethyst pairs wonderfully well with many other stones. Like rock crystal, it indeed holds exceptional vibratory amplification properties.

• Amethyst nonetheless bonds more readily with certain specific gemstones. Crystals with similar virtues combine beautifully. Feeling run-down? Combine your amethyst with a rose quartz. They will relax you and improve your sleep.

• Pairings can also be based on the chakras. If you wish to strengthen the spiritual force of amethyst, accompany it with a moonstone. Both act on the Crown chakra. What is more, they share common virtues: they improve your sleep and your connection to the divine.

• Finally, trust the colours. Amethyst is characterised by the depth of its violet hues, symbolising spirituality and the world of dreams. It pairs with similar gemstones, such as kunzite. Together, their virtues amplify. They soothe you and develop your creativity.

Amethyst stands out for its power on the energetic plane. For crystal therapists, its vibratory strength and its link to the 7th chakra grant it a very special status. They credit it with virtues tied to the spiritual world and the divine.

On the mental plane, amethyst :

• soothes your mind ;
• calms your anxieties ;
• tempers your anger ;
• drives away sadness and anxiety ;
• improves your concentration ;
• supports your meditations ;
• binds you more closely to the divine ;
• raises you spiritually ;
• purifies your aura of negative energy residue ;
• helps you through periods of grief ;
• fosters your creativity ;
• develops your imagination.

Even though it possesses above all spiritual virtues, amethyst also acts upon your body. Its vibratory strength significantly impacts the physical plane. Like the ancient peoples, crystal therapists credit it with detoxifying virtues.

On the bodily plane, amethyst :

• fights your drug addictions ;
• purifies your body of alcohol and tobacco ;
• strengthens your endocrine glands ;
• stimulates your heart ;
• soothes your aching muscles ;
• relaxes you physically ;
• drives away insomnia ;
• fosters peaceful dreams ;
• reduces the risk of diabetes ;
• combats headaches.