Amethyst Jewelry

Amethyst Jewelry

Amethyst, the purple variety of quartz, is the birthstone of February and comes from the Greek word amethystos which means "not intoxicated." The Greeks and Romans believed that wearing amethyst offered protection from the effects of booze and helped maintain a quick-wit and sharp mind.

For centuries, it was found primarily in Russia and its scarcity made it a rare and expensive gem that was frequently used in royal and religiously significant jewelry. In fact, there are 7 amethysts in the British monarch's crown! It wasn’t until the discovery of abundant sources in Brazil in the early 1800s that its price decreased enough to put it within reach of the average consumer. 

Though there are a number of purple gemstones (including sapphire and tanzanite), amethyst is the most sought after purple stone and one of the most popular colored stones on the planet.
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Amethyst, the purple variety of quartz, is the birthstone of February and comes from the Greek word amethystos which means "not intoxicated." The Greeks and Romans believed that wearing amethyst offered protection from the effects of booze and helped maintain a quick-wit and sharp mind.

For centuries, it was found primarily in Russia and its scarcity made it a rare and expensive gem that was frequently used in royal and religiously significant jewelry. In fact, there are 7 amethysts in the British monarch's crown! It wasn’t until the discovery of abundant sources in Brazil in the early 1800s that its price decreased enough to put it within reach of the average consumer. 

Though there are a number of purple gemstones (including sapphire and tanzanite), amethyst is the most sought after purple stone and one of the most popular colored stones on the planet.

Facts about Amethyst
Hardness Hardness
7.0Mohs Scale
Good

Good hardness for everyday wear. Durable enough for rings and bracelets, though they should be stored away from harder stones like sapphire or diamond which could scratch their surface.

The Mohs scale rates a gem's scratch resistance from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

Care Instructions Care Instructions
Can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe, but steam cleaning is not recommended. Amethyst should not be subjected to heat.
Points of Interest Points of Interest
  • Purple variety of quartz
  • Birthstone of February
  • Traditional gift for the 6th and 17th anniversaries
  • Most of the world's amethysts are mined in Brazil and Zambia