Lovely amethyst in its rich purple colors symbolizes royalty and aristocracy. the Greeks named amethyst from the word "amethystos" meaning "not intoxicated" dating back to an ancient tale involving Bacchus, the god of wine. As the story goes, drinking wine from an amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming inebriated.

VARIETIES, QUALITIES & ORIGINS
Amethyst is the exquisite purple gem belonging to the quartz species. Quartz is found in many localities and comes in a wide range of colors. Amethyst is the most valuable variety of the quartz species. The finest quality amethyst is medium-to medium-dark in tone, vivid in intensity, and purple, reddish-purple in hue. Top producers are Brazil, Zambia, Uruguay, and Namibia.


GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENTS

Amethyst is routinely subjected to heat as a normal part of the processing phase to improve the color.

HARDNESS
(Scratch Resistance)
7 on the Moh's Scale

TOUGHNESS
(Chip & Crack Resistance)
Good

STABILITY
(To Heat, Light, Chemicals)
Avoid heat, intense sunlight, strong chemicals. Abrupt temperature change may cause fracture.

CLEANING
Ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe, avoid steam cleaning.
REPAIR
Remove from setting for repairs involving heat.

OCCASIONS
February Birthstone
6th Wedding Anniversary
Pisces

Gem Photo Courtesy of OMI Gems, Inc.

 

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