Spiritual meaning of Amethyst
Understanding the energetic properties of amethyst.
Color(s): Purple, violet, red-violet
Mineral Information: Crystalline Quartz Silicon Dioxide
Chemical Make-up: SiO2
Hardness: 7
Where they are found: Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, Germany, Australia, Mexico, Africa, Russia and the United States.
About Stone:
Geodes containing amethyst crystals are formed when clay, silt, sand or gravel are deposited and compacted by running water. The only difference between regular clear quartz and amethyst is the color, which is caused by iron and Manganese that were present while the stone was forming. Amethyst is always a shade of purple, sometimes very light, other times very dark, and occasionally you will find red dots or red or blue hues in the stone. Amethyst and citrine are closely related: citrine is formed when amethyst is exposed to heat when forming. Some people even call citrine “burnt amethyst”. When citrine and amethyst are found together in one piece, it is called ametrine and is very sought after.
The word amethyst comes from Greek, and means “to not intoxicate”. It was traditionally used by Greeks and Romans as a way to keep themselves sober. Amethyst has also been used to deal with insomnia, grief, and addictions.
Amethyst, Mythological Maiden- Bacchus, the god of wine, declared in a rage that the first person he passes will be eaten by tigers. This turns out to be a beautiful maiden named Amethyst. The goddess Diana quickly turned Amethyst into a white stone to save her from the tigers. Regretting his anger, Bacchus poured red wine over the stone as an offering to Diana, so turning the stone purple. Amethyst has long been associated with relieving hangovers, or curing drunkenness, probably as a result of its wine-like color and the Bacchus tale.
Birthstone: February
Zodiac Association: Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius, and Capricorn
Metaphysical Properties: Help you understand & let go of attachments & all that is old and holds you back so that you may fully embrace your spiritual destiny. Aids in healing addictions and in curtailing compulsive behaviors.
