Born in the month of February? Then Amethyst is your birthstone. There are plenty of places online that have the standard information on Amethyst stones, but I thought I would share just a few interesting tidbits on this beautiful crystal quartz:
- Moses described Amethyst as a symbol of the Spirit of God in the official robes of the High Priest of the Jews.
- Ancient Greeks believed that wearing Amethyst jewelry would prevent intoxication, going as far as crafting drinking vessels and amulets in this stone.
- Greek mythology states that Diana turned a nymph whom Bacchus loved into an amethyst; hence Amethyst is also known as the Bacchus stone.
- Tibetan monks considered Amethyst to be sacred to Buddha. They fashion rosaries from it, believing it to be an excellent stone for meditation.
- Egyptian royalty believed that the tears of the gods had stained the Quartz purple and created the Gemstone as it is today.
- Egyptians also used the stone in intaglios.
- In early history, purple dye was scarce and expensive and therefore reserved for garments of royalty. Due to its hue, the Amethyst gemstone followed suit.
- Due to Amethyst’s symbolism of spirituality and piety, it has adorned numerous churches and crosses. It is also worn in rings and on rosaries by clergy members.
- Amethyst is the gemstone for the 6th wedding anniversary.
Did I miss any other interesting facts on Amethyst? Let me know!
