Appreciated for its beauty and spiritual properties for thousands of years and considered one of the most powerful crystals in the world, discover the world of amethyst, the stone of the month of February.
General identity sheet of amethyst
Etymology of the word amethyst
The word comes from the Latin amethystus , itself from the Greek amethustos , meaning "who is not a drunkard".
Two hypotheses dispute this etymology.
- During Roman orgies, cups carved from amethyst gave the water poured into them the color of wine, while avoiding the inconveniences associated with drunkenness.
- Bacchus, God of wine, came across the beautiful Amethyst who was going to the temple of Diana. The very pressing ardor of Bacchus towards the nymph forced the latter to desperately call Diana to her aid. The latter transformed Amethyst into a hard and cold crystal in Bacchus's arms. Mad with rage, he poured his cup of wine on the crystallized nymph, sobering up at the same time. This is why legend explains that amethysts are more colorful at their top than at their base.
Mineral species family
Quartz
Amethyst color
The color of this stone ranges from light lavender to deep purple.
Places of discovery
Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia and Uruguay
Physical benefits of this semi-precious stone
Muscle relaxation, reduction of stress, reduction of migraines, reduction of stomach acid, support to combat addictions linked to tobacco or alcohol, purification of the body, relief of headaches and calm
Psychic and spiritual benefits of amethyst
Support in times of mourning, creativity, concentration, creation, positivity, promotion of a serene atmosphere and reduction of negative thoughts
Association
spiritual connection and wisdom
History of this stone of the month of February.
The history of amethyst is above all a story of virtues and until the 18th century it was even considered one of the most precious stones in the world.
First for protect yourself from death at the time of the Egyptians, amethyst was the stone offered by Joseph to Mary in symbol of humility according to Christian tradition. And, even today, amethysts are stones closely linked to the Catholic religion. All Vatican bishops wear amethyst rings as a symbol of dedication to the Church. This stone is also nicknamed “ the bishops’ stone.” »
The history of amethyst is also closely linked to love. Valentin de Terni, designated patron of lovers, wore an amethyst around his neck. Celebrated on February 14, it makes its stone one of the symbols of love.
The knights also made it their symbol because the stone lent them the virtues of clarity of mind and luck in business.
Known amethysts
- In 1953, the Duchess of Windsor dazzled the audience at the Orangerie ball by wearing a remarkable amethyst necklace, set with turquoise and diamonds, created for her in 1947
- One of the oldest jewelry sets in the Windsor Collection is the amethyst "demi-parure" which belonged to Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent, and which was also worn by Queen Elizabeth