"The wine spilled onto the white quartz, the deep red staining it a brilliant purple" 

Overview

There's an undeniable allure to the color purple. It's a captivating blend of boldness and warmth, qualities that perfectly mirror the amethyst gemstone.

A Royal Gem with a Rich History

Amethyst, the most prized variety of quartz, was once considered as valuable as rubies. Its name hails from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not drunk," a nod to its ancient belief in preventing intoxication. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is durable and boasts a color spectrum ranging from reddish to bluish purple, influenced by trace elements like iron. Symbolizing piety, humility, and sincerity, amethysts come in various sizes, with the "Empress of Uruguay" holding the title of the largest amethyst geode at a staggering 2.5 tons. 

Legends and myths surround this gemstone, with one Greek tale attributing its color to Dionysus' spilled wine on a transformed nymph. Amethyst has been a favorite among royalty, notably Queen Catherine the Great of Russia.

As a Birthstone

Amethyst is the birthstone for February due to its historical associations and symbolic meanings. The modern birthstone list, formalized in the early 20th century, designated amethyst for February. Its calming purple hue and properties of clarity and protection align with the reflective nature of the month.

Physical Properties

Hardness: Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable and suitable for a wide range of jewelry applications.

Color: Amethyst varies in color from light lavender to deep violet. The intensity of the color is influenced by the presence of iron and trace elements within the quartz structure.

Chemical Composition

Amethyst is a variety of quartz with the chemical formula SiO₂ (silicon dioxide). Its purple color is primarily due to the presence of iron and trace elements within the quartz crystal structure.

Choosing Your Perfect Amethyst

As with any gemstone, quality is key. For amethysts, color reigns supreme, followed by clarity, cut, and carat weight.

• Color: The deeper the purple, the more valuable the stone. The coveted "Siberian" deep purple is highly prized. Even color distribution is ideal, with minimal color zones enhancing the gem's worth. 
• Clarity: While inclusions are common, they shouldn't be visible to the naked eye. Colored inclusions can diminish value.
• Cut: Amethysts can be cut into various shapes, from classic round to elegant marquise. The cut significantly impacts the stone's visual size.  
• Carat weight: Unlike other gemstones, carat weight isn't the primary determinant of amethyst value. Larger crystals are often favored for statement pieces.
• Care: To preserve the beauty of your amethyst jewelry:
  • Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
  • Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
  • Store your amethyst jewelry separately to prevent scratches