Tuesday, February 15, 2011

February Birthstone: Amethyst

This magnificent gemstone ranges in color from deep purple to pale lavender depending on the presence of manganese and iron.  It traditionally adorned the robes and crowns of rich & powerful monarchs because purple is the color associated with wealth and prosperity.


Leonardo Da Vinci once wrote that amethyst holds the power to dissolve evil thoughts and activate one's intelligence. It is often used during meditation to provide an overall sense of spiritual balance. It is also thought to evoke feelings of serenity and calmness in those who  wear it.  This popular gemstone has been venerated as a symbol of peace and unification in many cultures around the world. 

Some naturopaths will use amethyst to help treat insomnia and sugar imbalances, and to relieve headaches.  Healers have been using amethyst to increase their psychic abilities and intuition for centuries.  It is believed to help fight addictions of all kinds.

Amethyst is a naturally-occurring, macrocrystalline variety of quartz. Geodes containing amethyst crystals are formed when clay, silt, sand or gravel are deposited and compacted by running water. Some of the largest amethyst geodes have been found in Brazil. Other locations where amethyst is found include Sri Lanka, India, Uruguay, Germany, Madagascar, Australia, Mexico, Africa, Russia, Canada and the United States.

The abundance of amethyst makes it an affordable choice for jewelry makers.  It is available as beads in a variety of shapes & sizes, gemstone chips and faceted stones; something for any of your creative projects.  Amethyst is one of my favourite gemstones!

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