Our creation using Amethyst stone beads.
AMETHYST
Amethyst is the gemstone for February, and for those born under the zodiac of Pisces.
Amethyst crystals are one of the most popular gemstones and have used for thousands of years. It is also believed that the gem has very strong healing properties which trace back to ancient Greek beliefs. The word ‘amethyst’ comes from the Greek word amethystos, which means sober.
Amethyst is mostly always purple but can come in a number of other colours each with its own unique purple to reddish-purple hues. Varieties of the gem include lavender amethyst, which is a lighter purple colour. Canadian amethyst, which has a red layer just beneath its surface, making the colour more vibrant. Other varieties of amethyst include Ametrine, Veracruz amethyst.
Amethyst stones, which can be either natural or synthetic are very beautiful. Synthetic amethyst is available in the same shades of purple and reddish-purple as natural amethyst. However, synthetic amethyst is significantly cheaper and can be manufactured quickly too. This lab-made stone has been around for almost two decades now and has caused market prices of its natural counterparts to plunge significantly.
Due to its hardness and durability, the gemstone is very ideal for all kinds of jewellery.
Royalty
Purple has long been considered a royal colour, featured in the British Crown Jewels and a favourite of ancient Egyptian royalty.
The Church
Amethyst was also believed to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, and therefore it was incorporated into church ornaments in the middle ages. Amethyst is still the stone of bishops’ who often wear amethyst rings.
Benefits
Amethyst’s sobering and calming qualities is why it is considered to have the power to purify and bring peace. It is said to have the ability to alleviate sadness and grief whilst dissipating negativity.
It’s also believed to boost low energy and heal at all levels of mind, body and spirit. Amethyst is especially useful to calm overworked minds as it brings mental strength, stability, and reduces negativity.
In ancient times, it was thought that natural amethyst could purify the body of all toxins. Ancient Greeks believed that the stone protected the wearer from drunkenness and enabled them to keep a balanced mindset. Wine was sipped from goblets incorporating amethyst stones to prevent drunkenness, and stones laid on the sick to draw out infection.