From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An amethystA natural rock with amethyst
This article is about the gemstone. For the color, seeAmethyst (color).
Anamethyst is amineralgemstone that comes fromquartz. It is usuallytransparent and best known for itsvioletcolour. Even though it is a form of quartz, it has moreiron oxide (Fe2O3) than any other kind of quartz.[1] Because of this, some experts think that its color comes from the iron in it.[1]
Many people believe amethystsprotect one frompoison, evil, and getting drunk. This is where the name of this rock came from, The Greek wordamethustos, means "without being drunken".
Also they are thought to be good for healing, recovering from headaches, good dreams, and more.[3] SomeCatholicpopes also wear arosary of amethyst around their necks.[2] Some Roman women thought gems could keep their husbands faithful to them.
There are many stories and myths about amethysts. One of them tells how amethysts were supposedly created. According to the story,Bacchus, theRoman god of wine and partying, was angry because of something against him and wanted to get revenge.[5] He ordered that the first person who was mortal to come across his path would be eaten bytigers.
Just at that moment a beautiful maiden named Amethyst came, on her way to worship the goddessDiana. Diana saw what was going to happen and she quickly made Amethyst into a stone to save her from the tigers. When Bacchus saw this, herepented and pouredwine over the stone, making its colorpurple.[5]
The amethyst is worn and used for fashion in a number of different ways. It is polished and shaped forrings,earrings, and cufflinks. It may be also used for brooches, sometimes being carved into a cluster ofgrapes. People like the way amethysts look, especially when they are put in gold and diamonds.
The amethyst is worn by royalty and nobility. This is because its royal color was purple. When it was found in the Minoan period in Greece (c. 2500 B.C.), it was polished and shaped into cabochons (dome-shaped stones). Then, it was set in gold.
During the 15th century, theFrenchfleur-de-lisbrooch could only be worn by the Royal family on special times.[5] The fleur-de-lis design on it is put in withsapphires and amethysts.[6]
