Amethyst signifies peace, temperance, serenity and royalty.
The birthstone for February, Amethyst carries with it a rich purple legacy that has captivated us for centuries. Dating as far back as 25,000BC, Amethyst was considered as rare and valuable as diamonds. Long considered in their symbolism as the Gem of Fire, their energy was revered as a Precious Gem and believed to hold the same passionate, creative, healing and spiritual energy as fire.
The Greeks believed it a powerful gem to guard against intoxication, Leonardo Da Vinci believed Amethyst to “dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence..” .The Ancient Egyptians referred to it as “Hemag”, and lovingly carved the stone into hearts and wore them as amulets during their sacred burial ceremonies. It was believed to heal fear, guilt and keep Egyptian travellers safe when embarking on journeys away from home.
The Royal legacy of Amethyst is found in every past and present reigning King & Queen’s Royal collection, be it Queen Mary’s Amethyst Parure, or Queen Alexandra of Denmark’s Amethyst Tiara, or the Amethyst gems for example that adorn the St. Edwards Crown (circa 1661).
The Victorian era was a time when jewellery was not just for adornment but also a means of expression. Amethyst jewellery from this period often featured intricate designs, with the gemstone taking centre stage in gorgeous brooches, rings, and necklaces. The craftsmanship of these pieces reflected the era’s fascination with nature, romance, and the mystique of the past, and were often used to convey secret messages or sentiment. Intricate metal work and other precious stones were used to highlight this purple gem’s appeal. Pieces from this period are highly sought after by collectors.
The Science Behind the Stone
Amethyst’s iconic purple hue ranges from light lavender to the deepest violet, owed to the presence of iron oxide. Predominantly found in volcanic rock. When irradiated, the iron impurities interact with the Quartz, resulting in its signature colour. On the Moh’s scale of hardness, Amethysts ranks 7, indicating its durability and suitability for jewellery. Mining countries for the best quality Amethyst include Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and Zambia.
Amethyst remains a symbol of nobility and spirituality, a gemstone that transcends time. Its scientific intrigue and historical charm, especially as seen through the lens of Victorian era jewellery, continue to enchant us. As the February birthstone, it serves as a regal reminder of the past while still being a cherished adornment in the present.
SCIENCE:
MINERAL TYPE: QUARTZ (SiO2)
MOHS SCALE: 7
ORIGIN: Siberia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico & Far East
Lustre: Vitreous Crystal System: Trigonal Rarity: Commonly found
Amethyst show dischroism, appearing blue-purple or red- purple from different angels. The colour comes from trace amounts of Iron elements in the stone- although it is typically greenish blue in nature, it may be heat treated to remove any yellow components. Aquamarine is pleochroic, meaning it shows different colours in different crystal.