AMETHYST
The truest color of purple that nature offers us comes to us in a gem called Amethyst.
Amethyst is a naturally occurring form of the crystal Quartz. This crystal is relatively abundant and usually forms near the Earth’s surface. It’s typically formed by the super heating, and then quickly cooling, of rock associated with volcanic activities and it is most often found in two different layers of the earth’s crust that are conducive growing environments. The first is in underground caverns and cracks, and this occurs because molten lava fills in these areas and superheats the surrounding rock. As the lava either recedes or cools, due to exposure to air or water, the amethyst crystal can form in the open crevices. These deposits require underground mining to bring the gems to the surface.
The second way amethyst is formed happens when iron-based molten lava is ejected into the air from violent volcanic explosions. As this flying lava is quickly cooled when exposed to the air and/or rain, a rounded hollow rock is formed called a geode and inside of these hollow cavities is where Amethyst can form. These geodes are found on the earth’s surface where volcanic eruptions have taken place. Quartz is usually a clear crystal. However, if iron is present as the crystal is forming, the quartz will turn to a beautiful, regal purple.
Because Amethyst forms at or near the earth’s surface, larger crystals are commonly found and can facet into larger gemstones. Amethyst can occur at almost any location that has had volcanic activity with some of the larger, commercially mined, deposits located in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) India, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Russia. The largest Amethyst deposits have been discovered in Uruguay and Brazil. The United States is also a source for this gem with the largest active mine at the top of Four Peaks Mountains just outside Scottsdale Arizona.
The intensity of purple, as well as secondary color undertones, can vary greatly in Amethyst. There are typically three secondary color undertones, yellow, red, and blue with yellow being the least desirable as it causes the purple to look a little brownish. This is usually more present in lower grade Brazilian stones. It should be noted that very fine Amethyst, found at the same source, with only slight yellows can make the stones very bright.
Blue and red are the most desirable secondary colors. Blue makes the stones more royal and deep and is often associated with the Russian or Siberian stones. Stones displaying a red undertone are equally prized and create a wonderful internal fiery look within the stones. Stones with secondary reds are usually found in Madagascar or the Four Peaks Mine in the US.
All of these colors can vary greatly in their intensity or saturation. Amethyst colors can range from a very pale pinkish purple to a very dark, almost inky, purple. While it is considered a finer stone if the stone has a darker saturation, lighter shades of Amethyst are equally beautiful enabling each person to pick a stone that best fits their taste.
Amethyst is not typically included. If there are inclusions inside the gem, they are usually small wisps of clouds that are caused by intersecting crystals that overlap as the crystal forms. These are easily hidden during the faceting process and, if not eye visible, have no bearing on the value of the stone. The other characteristic to look for is color banding in the gemstone. Amethyst can be plagued with this color banding or striping that can sometimes be seen as the stone is slightly rotated. If this is too visually present, it can hinder the gem’s value.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and is very popular due to its dramatic jewel tones and the fact that it is a modestly priced gem. However, in the past decade, larger stones are becoming more scarce causing the price of 10-carat stones and larger to double in price over that same period of time. Stones under the 10-carat range have increased by around 25% over the same span.
HISTORY AND FOLKLORE
Amethyst has a long and rich history in the gem world. There are several biblical references to Amethyst when it was considered one of the most precious of all gemstones and held in high regard. It was placed alongside diamond, emerald, and sapphire regarding its importance. Early Christians associated the royal purple color and the gem’s internal shine as a symbolization of Christ and that association continued throughout history and is still common today. Modern day clergy and bishops continue to wear Amethyst in religious rings while the royal purple is commonplace at almost every altar in any church worldwide.
As Kingdoms looked to the church and the heavens for blessings, they too became entranced with the purple gem. The British Monarchy adopted the color to represent their kingdom and Amethyst gems can be found in almost every Royal scepter and crown.
England wasn’t alone in their love of this stone. Catherine the Great of Russia was said to claim Amethyst as her favorite gemstone.
Because of its long history, Amethyst is said to aid its wearer in many positive ways. For centuries, Amethyst crystals were rubbed on the face to banish acne, placed on bedsides to promote sound sleep by warding off nightmares and it is also believed to possess the power to ease a cluttered mind. The gem was also often placed in a wine glass as it was thought to prevent drunkenness. Moreover, a common cure for migraine headache sufferers was to wear Amethyst earrings to lessen the frequency and pain.
WEAR AND CARE
Amethyst is a 7 out of 10 on the Mors Hardness Scale. Therefore, it is considered hard enough for all jewelry uses including rings. Amethyst can be chipped if hit with a hard, direct blow. It can be worn throughout the day, but the prescribed method for care of this gem is to remove it for vigorous activities. Dramatic temperature changes like cold rinsing after hot cleanings should be avoided and the stone is to be lightly ultasoniced and avoid direct steam cleaning.