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Amethyst – protection from sorcery and intoxication

Amethyst - protection from sorcery and intoxication

Amethyst – protection from sorcery and intoxication


In the history of mankind, diamonds and emeralds did not always occupy the first place. In ancient Greece, for example, such stones as lapis lazuli, turquoise, jasper, carnelian and amethyst were especially appreciated.
Amethyst (SiO2) is a kind of quartz, which has a purple color, sometimes with a pink or reddish tinge. It is considered the most valuable gemstone in the quartz group. According to ancient legends, the amethyst has supernatural power. It brings good luck, protects against diseases and even sorcery, and also prevents intoxication. It is a gemstone of travelers, protecting from thieves and other road troubles. Amethyst is used to strengthen memory, relieve headaches and, especially, to give up bad habits.

In the ancient Greek myths, the god of wine and fun Dionysus fell in love with beautiful nymph Ametis. She rejected his love and Dionysus began to pursue the beautiful nymph. When he caught her, Ametis began to call for help. The goddess Artemis took pity on the girl and turned her into a beautiful purple crystal. The ancient Romans have their own legend about the birth of a beautiful stone, but the main characters are the same: Bacchus is the god of wine and fun, Ametis and the goddess Diana.
In the 16th century, an amethyst was valued even more than a ruby in Russia. The crown of Irina Godunova, Russian queen, was decorated with huge amethysts and sapphires.
Amethyst symbolizes deep love, happiness, chastity, sincerity. This gemstone placed under the pillow helps to prevent nightmares and to cure insomnia.
Today, amethyst is one of the most favorite gemstones. Jewelers make magnificent brooches, earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets with this gemstone.
If you heat amethyst to 200° C it will lose its color. However, the color restores when it becomes cool.
18th century portuguese devant de corsage (from a set), National Museum of Ancient Art

18th century portuguese devant de corsage (from a set), National Museum of Ancient Art


There are many amethyst deposits on the territory of Russia: in the Urals, in Yakutia, the Kola Peninsula, in Eastern Siberia. Amethyst is also produced in Brazil, Uruguay, India, the USA, Madagascar, Australia, etc.
Amethyst is the official gemstone of Ontario.
Prasiolite, also known as green amethyst, is a kind of quartz. The positive energy of prasiolite improves mood, gives vitality, strengthens intuition and sensuality, helps to cope with fears. This gemstone is recommended for the treatment of skin and eye disorders, protects the oral cavity from caries, problems with gums, toothache; improves the functioning of the lungs and cardiovascular system. Green amethyst also contributes to the preservation of health and longevity.

Amethyst – protection from sorcery and intoxication

18th century portuguese devant de corsage or stomacher made of chrysoberyls and amethysts, National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon.

18th century portuguese devant de corsage or stomacher made of chrysoberyls and amethysts, National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon.

18th century portuguese earrings (from a set), National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon.

18th century portuguese earrings (from a set), National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon.

A paperweight. Ekaterinburg factory, 19th century. Amethyst, marble

A paperweight. Ekaterinburg factory, 19th century. Amethyst, marble

A paperweight. Peterhof faceted factory, 1898. Amethyst, nephrite

A paperweight. Peterhof faceted factory, 1898. Amethyst, nephrite

Amazing amethyst

Amazing amethyst

Amethyst brooch (Paris, 19th century) by shakko

Amethyst brooch (Paris, 19th century) by shakko

Amethyst necklace consisting of lavender amethyst beads and a deep purple amethyst pendant

Amethyst necklace consisting of lavender amethyst beads and a deep purple amethyst pendant

Amethyst suite at the Museum of Fine Arts. England, 1870. Gold, diamond, amethyst, and pearl.

Amethyst suite at the Museum of Fine Arts. England, 1870. Gold, diamond, amethyst, and pearl.

Attractive ring with amethyst

Attractive ring with amethyst

Awesome Necklace with amethysts

Awesome Necklace with amethysts

Awesome ring with amethyst

Awesome ring with amethyst

Beautiful amethyst

Beautiful amethyst

Beautiful ring with amethyst

Beautiful ring with amethyst

Bouquet of Austrian Maria Theresa

Bouquet of Austrian Maria Theresa

Bracelet. Byzantine artwork. From the Roman Forum.

Bracelet. Byzantine artwork. From the Roman Forum.

Brooch. 1857-64. Master A. Holstrem. Amethyst, gold. The State Museum of Peterhof. Earrings. St. Petersburg, 1908-17

Brooch. 1857-64. Master A. Holstrem. Amethyst, gold. The State Museum of Peterhof. Earrings. St. Petersburg, 1908-17

Brooch. Moscow, the 1880s. Master monogramist WE. Gold, amethyst

Brooch. Moscow, the 1880s. Master monogramist WE. Gold, amethyst

Brooch. Moscow, the end of the 19th century. Master monogrammist HM. Amethyst, diamonds

Brooch. Moscow, the end of the 19th century. Master monogrammist HM. Amethyst, diamonds

Charming amethyst

Charming amethyst

Colorful butterfly with amethyst

Colorful butterfly with amethyst

Cute amethyst

Cute amethyst

Earrings with amethyst

Earrings with amethyst

Gorgeous amethyst

Gorgeous amethyst

Graceful amethyst

Graceful amethyst

Great amethyst

Great amethyst

Interesting ring with amethyst

Interesting ring with amethyst

Lovely ring with amethyst

Lovely ring with amethyst

Magnificent amethyst

Magnificent amethyst

Majestic amethyst

Majestic amethyst

Pretty ring with amethyst

Pretty ring with amethyst

Sample of Sarmatian art of the 1st century AD. Priestess's Diadem

Sample of Sarmatian art of the 1st century AD. Priestess’s Diadem

Stunning amethyst

Stunning amethyst

The image of Emperor Caracall, amethyst

The image of Emperor Caracall, amethyst

Wonderful ring with amethyst

Wonderful ring with amethyst