Important facts about amethyst

Amethyst is a purple modification of quartz. In the 20-th century the color of amethyst was traced back to manganese impurities within the crystal lattice of silica - SiO₂. There were different theories, some of them even claiming that the color is organic in nature, since (we all know this very well) amethyst changes color when heated.

The newest theories favor the interpretations that the violet color of amethyst comes from traces of iron, and some say that the mutual interaction of two metals iron, Fe and aluminum Al is responsible for the color. As for the origin of the color of green amethyst, it has still to be discovered.

Whatever the interpretation, amethyst is nowadays more than abundant - it is present everywhere. When heated under certain temperature, amethyst turns into citrine. Natural citrine is quite rare but there is no lack in citrine today in the world. Interestingly, when irradiated using X-rays (Röntgen), citrine can once again transform into its origin - violet amethyst.

One of the biggest world deposits of amethyst are the Anahi mines in Bolivia. The mines are in the middle of the tropical forest near the Pantanal swamp, which spreads itself along the border between Bolivia and Brazil. Due to the almost inaccessible terrain it is accessible only by air.

Forms of Amethyst

Amethyst can be found in many different forms, but probably the best known are geodes and druzes. Amethyst spirit is an unusual form of amethyst which consists in many small points that cover the entire area of the crystal, giving especially reach glow to the entire object. It has been found only in South Africa in the Gauteng province.

Very rare and highly valued is the enhydro amethyst. Within its body this form of amethyst contains movable or static tiny bubbles of water that are old for millions of years.

Amethyst phantom is also a rare form. This quartz crystal possesses unusual phantom like forms within its bulky body.

Amethyst throughout history

The old Greeks believed that amethyst can prevent drunkenness. Of course, they also had a fabulous myth to explain the origin of their belief.

Once upon a time Dionysus, the god of wine, celebration and drinking was offended when some mortal refused paying him respect. Then he uttered a curse to all mortals that did not enjoy his gifts of wine and drinking. A young girl Amethyst, without any knowledge of the danger, approached the temple of Diana in order to worship her. Dionysus saw her and sent two hungry tigers to kill the young girl, but Diana was quicker and turned the young mortal into a shiny clear white stone - quartz in order to protect her from the rage of Dionysus.

When Dionysus saw the consequences of his acts, and got moved by the inexplicable beauty of the Amethyst stone he started to cry. As his tears dropped down in his wine cup, the wine started to spill out and pour over the white stone's edges (this explains why very often only the edges of Amethyst are so intensely colored). The white quartz stone absorbed the wine color turning it into magnificent violet amethyst color. Thus, Dionysus decided, out of love toward the beautiful girl, to grant the semi precious stone power over the alcoholic influence or any other addiction.

Amethyst was discovered in the antique remains from neolithic times (5000-3000 b.c.) all over Europe, but only during recent times it has been used in form of precious jewelry.

The British Egyptologist W. M. Flinders discovered a hand in the tomb of Djer that was wrapped in silk. Underneath the silk he found a bracelet of gold, lapis lazuli, turquoise and amethyst. The estimated time window of the bracelet was around 3000 b.c.