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According to Greek Mythology, a young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to pray to the goddess Diana when she became the unjust target of the god of wine’s (Dionysus’) anger against mortals. Dionysus set two tigers to devour her, but Diana protected Amethyst from pain and suffering by forever turning her into a beautiful piece of clear crystal quartz. Upon seeing this, Dionysus realized his actions were wrong and wept into his goblet of wine, then accidentally dropped it upon the clear quartz stone, staining it a deep purple color. Thus was formed the first amethyst, from the maiden Amethyst.
The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken." This was perhaps due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the almost wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered.
Once considered more valuable than diamonds, Amethyst is a member of the quartz family, occurring naturally as crystals within rocks. Deposits of this gemstone are found in Brazil, Canada, Australia, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka; and in the United States; and are found in as many different variations of purple, and even mauve. Most stones today are heated to enhance the purple color. The enhancement does not fade, or wear off, and according to some sources, most of the citrine stones found today are actually heat treated amethyst.
The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty. It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship, and would make an excellent anniversary or engagement gift. Whether or not Amethyst holds such power, please take a look at our amethyst jewelry at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheModernMythos, and let our craft, inspire yours.
The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken." This was perhaps due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the almost wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered.
Once considered more valuable than diamonds, Amethyst is a member of the quartz family, occurring naturally as crystals within rocks. Deposits of this gemstone are found in Brazil, Canada, Australia, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka; and in the United States; and are found in as many different variations of purple, and even mauve. Most stones today are heated to enhance the purple color. The enhancement does not fade, or wear off, and according to some sources, most of the citrine stones found today are actually heat treated amethyst.
The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty. It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship, and would make an excellent anniversary or engagement gift. Whether or not Amethyst holds such power, please take a look at our amethyst jewelry at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheModernMythos, and let our craft, inspire yours.
