Interesting Tidbits about the Amethyst Gemstone

Interesting Tidbits about the Amethyst Gemstone

A Comprehensive Historical and Current-day Use Introduction to the Benefits of Amethyst:
Metaphysically, Physically and Spiritually
along with Other Interesting Tidbits

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Perhaps you just came home with your new amethyst crystal and eagerly jumped online searching for all the wonderful informational tidbits relating to your new little being and the benefits of amethyst, or you just received your huge 10ft tall amethyst geode beauty, imported from Brazil, and you want to be able to tell your friends the historical aspects of amethyst.  Maybe your search query brought you here simply because amethyst is your February birthstone, and you thought you’d like to finally learn more about it.

Whatever the reason that brought you here, keep reading to learn about the many characteristics of amethyst ranging from its place in history to its current suggested physical and metaphysical benefits to other interesting uses and facts.

The World Loves the Amethyst Gemstone 

Having a pleasing purple color, amethyst is one of the most loved ornamental gemstones. It is one of the most well-known, easily recognizable and highly sought after minerals.  It is found worldwide.  Countries that have the highest deposit concentrations with mining operations include the United States, South Africa, Brazil, Uruguay, Russia and South Korea.

Amethyst and Its Colorful History 

 ·      Amethyst is derived from the Greek word methys, meaning “wine” and evolved next to the Greek word amethystos, literally translated as “not-intoxicating.”

·      Most likely honoring its' purple color, amethyst was associated with Dionysus, the Greek God of the grape orchards, grape harvest, winemaking and religious rituals involved with becoming intoxicated.  Ritual members were said to wear a ring with an amethyst stone or drink from an amethyst gemstone goblet to prevent them from becoming overly drunk.

·      Going back further, one can find instructions in the Egyptian Book of the Dead for placing a heart-shaped amethyst gemstone on the chest of loved-ones to help them cross over into the land of the dead.

·      Throughout most western history, amethyst was associated with royalty and was considered a precious stone versus today’s semi-precious stone labeling.

Today’s Metaphysical Benefits of Amethyst 

Today, amethyst is still associated with its ancient roots and is most known as the stone of sobriety.  It is also commonly known as the stone of tranquility and healing and is used in shamanistic light-working. The following lists the most common applications today.

Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Benefits 

 ·      Amethyst is a calming stone, and therefore, frequently used in meditation.

·      It represents and is used for both the third-eye (also known as the brow) and crown chakras (6th and 7th). It is said that you can place it on your third-eye chakra energy center to unblock that energy point and induce a heightened experience of intuition and exploration of the inner-self. That is, open your third-eye.  For the crown chakra, amethyst is used to promote psychic ability, clairvoyance and meditation involving past-life recollection. 

·      When held in your receptive hand, vibrations radiating out from the stone tap into you completely (mind, body and spirit) and give an overall healing and calming effect.

·      You may also experience these benefits by wearing amethyst gemstone jewelry, like rings and amethyst gemstone beads or by simply carrying a polished stone or crystal in your pocket. 

·      Amethyst may help with mental and emotional problems, like various anxieties and depression.

Physical Benefits of Amethyst 

 ·      A tincture or tonic of extracted amethyst essence may be made to promote calmness in the body and can be taken for physical relaxation or as a sedative.

·      It is also used to ease the physical withdrawal symptoms associated with drug addictions.

·      By some, it is considered a feminine stone and is used to promote health of the reproductive system and to help alleviate the physical symptoms of PMS.

·      You can induce a more restful sleep and relieve insomnia and nightmares by placing amethyst near your bed or under your pillow.

·      Amethyst also heals the digestive tract, especially the stomach, and aides in healing autoimmune, inflammatory dis-eases, such as arthritis.

·      One more example of a physical benefit of amethyst is that it can be used to clean the blood, most likely due to its iron content.

Religious and More Esoteric Aspects 

 ·      In modern day Wicca and astrology, amethyst is associated with the water element and the planet Neptune and is also used in making amulets and talismans.

·      The first alchemists during the Medieval Times and into the Renaissance used amethyst to amplify and, therefore, strengthen projections of cosmic energy.

·      Modern day alchemists continue to use amethyst as an amplifier and also use it as a tool regularly for many transformations.

Other Interesting Facets 

 ·      The lighter colored or less translucent varieties are sometimes referred to as “Cape Amethyst.”  Cape amethyst has layers of milky quartz throughout its crystal structure, which produces a beautiful swirling effect.  Cape amethyst is also used to provide balance of mind and spirit.  Physically, it used to increase one’s overall energy, which is in contrast to what amethyst is generally used for.

·      Amethyst can be naturally heat-treated within the Earth or in controlled laboratory conditions and become citrine, the yellow to orange variety of quartz.

·      Although rare, if amethyst is found together with citrine, the common name given to the mineral is ametrine.  This too can be created in a lab, and it is often these lab-created specimens you see available for purchase in rock shops, metaphysical shops and other similar places.

·      It is classified as quartz (silicon dioxide) and gets its purple coloring from iron contained within the crystal.  A tiny little pinpoint of iron is all that is needed to beautifully color a large crystal geode. 

Would you believe that while the above is comprehensive, it is simply an introductory sampling of all the wonderful knowledge and many uses of amethyst!  Please feel free to bookmark this page and share it with your friends as a starting point in a research of amethyst.

• The overall western medical community does not recognize the benefits of gemstones.  Please do not replace the listed uses with your health practitioner’s recommendations.