Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Amethyst is a member of the Quartz family and is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone. Relatively abundant in nature, clear, large, natural stones are available. Deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes. The Siberian deep purple with red and blue flash commands the highest prices. Amethyst often exhibits the phenomena of color shift – sometimes called color change in the marketplace.

COLOR:
Bluish purple through purple to reddish purple. The color agent of Amethyst is iron.

So called “green amethyst” sometime seen in the market is not Amethyst as by definition it must be violet to purple in color. Green Amethyst is simply irradiated quartz.

APPEARANCE:
Transparent to translucent. Amethyst is a Type II gemstone and is usually included.

Phenomena: Amethyst often exhibits the phenomena of color shift and will show a change in hue under different lighting conditions, appearing bluish purple under daylight and red through reddish purple under incandescent light.

SIZE RANGE: 1 – 20 carats, faceted stones over 1000 carats are known.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Transparent: most cutting styles are available.
Translucent: cabochons, beads or carvings.

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Heat treatment is occasionally used to lighten very dark stones. This treatment is undetectable and has excellent stability.

HARDNESS:
7 on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE: Amethyst can be used in all types of jewelry.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: usually safe Steamer: risky Warm soapy water: safe Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids and alkalis. Reaction to Heat: heat may turn the stone colorless, fast temperature changes may fracture it. Stability to Light: some stones may fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
Amethyst found during antiquity was quite rare, and generally possessed only by nobility. Since purple is considered a royal color, Amethyst has had historical importance as an insignia of power. Amethyst is found in the British Crown Jewels and was a favorite of Catherine the Great. The gem was also a favorite among the high ranks of the Christian church and was referred to as the “stone of bishops”.

The Greek word “amethystos” translates as “not drunken”. Legend has it that Bacchus, the god of wine, had a few too many drinks one day and while out walking, came upon the nymph Amethyst on her way to the goddess Diana’s temple. Bacchus began to chase Amethyst, who, fearing she would not be able to escape Bacchus pleased to Diana for help. Diana promptly changed Amethyst into a pure, cold crystal in the arms of Bacchus. Furious, he poured his glass of wine onto the crystal, which then took on the color of the wine. Later, when he was sober and upset with himself for his drunkenness, Bacchus gave this crystal the power to protect those who wear it from drunkenness. The Greeks and Romans would frequently carve wine goblets from Amethyst.

DESIGNATION: Amethyst is the Birthstone for February, Pisces (Feb. 19 – Mar. 20) and the traditional gift for a couples 6^th wedding anniversary.

GEM LORE