The Amethyst Buying Guide: a comprehensive guide on Amethyst gems

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Not all Amethyst is created equal

 

 

Amethyst

While Amethyst it's self it quite common certain varieties of Amethyst are quite rare and valuable.

The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers. Today, amethyst is a lovely and affordable gemstone that is fortunately available in a wide variety of cut and uncut stones that we can all possess and admire.

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and is a very popular gemstone.

Birthstone
It is the birthstone for the month of February and is easily found in just about every jewelry store in the world. 

History
The name "Amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken." It was once believed that wearing Amethyst could ward off the effects of alcohol.

Color
All Amethyst is Purple.  However it comes in a wade range of purple shades, from light lilac pink to deep purple almost black.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Light Lilac Amethyst                        Medium Purple Amethyst   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dark purple/ black Amethyst

 

 

 

 

Care Amethyst is a Durable gem. It is suitable for almost any kind the Jewelry and can be worn every day.
No special care is required as they are not sensitive to temperature change or household chemicals.

 

Healing properties:
The royal purple color of amethyst makes it a royal stone. It helps you attain spiritual perfection and assists you in calming the thoughts for meditation. It helps you channel the higher energies of your angels and guides. It brings peace and helps integrate new ideas. Amethyst is also a traditional stone to wear for protection against negative energizes or psychic attacks.

Not all Amethyst is created equal:
Often cut gems of amethyst are graded using the terms: Siberian, Uruguayan or Bahain; to represent high medium and low grade respectively, regardless of the actual source.

 

Siberian Amethyst from Russia

Best
Ural Mountains, Russia -- a very clear and dark variety that is cut for fine expensive gemstones, natural uncut clusters are rarely on the market.

Uruguay crystals are dark to medium

Guerrero, Mexico -- dark, deep purple, prismatic crystals that radiate outward from a common attachment point. Often the crystals are phantomed opposite of Vera Cruz amethyst having a purple interior with a clear or white quartz exterior. These are some of the most valuable amethysts in the world.

 

African Amethyst

Good
Vera Cruz, Mexico -- very pale, clear, prismatic crystals that are sometimes double terminated and have grown on a light colored host rock. Crystals are typically phantomed, having a clear quartz interior and an amethyst exterior. Some are sceptered and phantomed.

Thunder Bay, Canada -- a distinct red hematite inclusion just below the surface of the crystals is unique to this locality.

Africa -- crystals are usually large but not attractive. However, the interior color and clarity are excellent and polished slices and carvings as well as many gemstones are prized and admired.

 

Brazilian Amethyst

Fair
Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, Bahaia, Brazil The crystals that form are usually light to medium in color and only colored at the tops of the crystals. 

Maraba, Brazil -- large crystals with unattractive surfaces that are of a pale to medium color and often carved or cut into slices.

North Carolina, USA -- Druzy clusters that have a bluish-violet tint.

Italy  Vera Cruz like crystals, although not as well defined, and large parallel growth clusters with good evenly distributed color.

 

 

VARIETY INFORMATION:

  • Variety  Quartz , SiO2 .
  • Uses: Gemstones and ornamental stones.
  • Birthstone for February
  • Color: various shades of purple.
  • Index of refraction: 1.544-1.553
  • Birefringence: 0.009
  • Hardness: 7
  • Cleavage: none
  • Crystal system: trigonal
  • Pleochroic: no

 

 

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  • Atreyusmommy May 15, 2012 @ 7:24 pm | delete
    My birth stone! There are some really pretty amethysts on here. I also love that you listed the healing properties of this gem. There were a lot of things here that I didn't know about. Thank you for sharing this lens.
  • Tipi Feb 16, 2011 @ 9:42 pm | delete
    Amethyst is my birth stone and I have always loved it but didn't know about the meaning of "not drunken" or the healing properties and spirit guide links, guess I should get more of it. Beautifully done with wonderful information. Maybe one day I'll get Ural stone!
  • Nov 6, 2010 @ 4:27 am | delete
    Nice lens! Great information. Your readers might also be interested in wedding locations and wedding venues information. Feel free to visit and leave a feedback!
    Good luck!
  • mbgphoto Sep 28, 2010 @ 7:08 am | delete
    Amethyst is my birthstone and one of my favorites. It also goes great with all the purple I like to wear. Thanks for an interesting lens.
  • Sep 8, 2010 @ 2:59 pm | delete
    Amethyst is one of my favorite gemstones. I'll have to send my daughter to your lenses. She has one on Rocks, Crystals and Gems that she could lensroll yours to.
    Btw, 2 of the pictures on the top would not load - light and medium amethyst.
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Beautiful Amethyst Jewelry for Sale

Heart Shaped Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold

Heart Shaped Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold


Perfectly simple, this classic birthstone ring showcases a heart cut genuine amethyst with diamond accents, set in 14K yellow gold. A perfect expression of love and a great way to celebrate a February birthday.






Heart Shaped Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold







Amethyst, Tanzanite and Diamond Briolette Earrings

Amethyst, Tanzanite and Diamond Briolette Earrings


These precious earrings are a beautifullly crafted gemstone design. An teardrop shaped amethyst dangles gracefully from a 14k white gold drop. The dangling design is accented by 5 tanzanite gemstones and delicate diamonds. An extra special gift for a February birthday or special occasion.






Amethyst, Tanzanite and Diamond Briolette Earrings



Amethyst, Tanzanite and Diamond Briolette Necklace

Amethyst, Tanzanite and Diamond Briolette Necklace


This precious necklace is a beautifullly crafted fashion piece. An teardrop shaped amethyst dangles gracefully from a 14k white gold drop necklace. The dangling design is accented by 5 tanzanite gemstones. An extra special gift for a February birthday or special occasion.






Amethyst, Tanzanite and Diamond Briolette Necklace



Sterling Silver Brazilian Amethyst, African Amethyst Dangling Hook Earrings

Sterling Silver Brazilian Amethyst, African Amethyst Dangling Hook Earrings


Premium Artisan GemStone Jewelry ~ Handmade Earring






Sterling Silver Brazilian Amethyst, African Amethyst Dangling Hook Earrings



Sterling Silver Brazilian Amethyst, African Amethyst Pendant

Sterling Silver Brazilian Amethyst, African Amethyst Pendant


Premium Artisan GemStone Jewelry ~ Handmade Pendant






Sterling Silver Brazilian Amethyst, African Amethyst Pendant



Sterling Silver Brazilian Amethyst, African Amethyst Dangling Hook Earrings

Sterling Silver Brazilian Amethyst, African Amethyst Dangling Hook Earrings


Premium Artisan GemStone Jewelry ~ Handmade Earring





Sterling Silver Brazilian Amethyst, African Amethyst Dangling Hook Earrings

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