Amethyst is the February birthstone. It is a purple
quartz found in many parts of the world, such as Brazil, U.S.A., Canada,
Mexico, Nigeria, Zambia, India and Sri Lanka. In the past the Ural
Mountains in Russia produced the best amethysts. A large collection of
these gem stones are found among the jewelry of the Czars of Russia.
Amethysts have always been associated with the royalty, and in the past
only members of the royalty had the privilege of wearing jewelry set
with these stones. The commoners never attempted to wear them, as these
gems were only reserved for those in power.
Amethyst was a gem stone that had played a part in ancient history in
various myths and legends. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that
these gems can neutralize the evil powers of Bacchus. There is another
ancient belief that these gems can sharpen your intelligence and protect
you from intoxication.
Since ancient times amethysts were associated with romance and
passion, and had been the choicest gifts of the nobility to please and
satisfy their Queens and Princesses. Even today people around the world
who are romantically inclined, cherish amethyst as a symbol of romance
and passion.
Amethyst being a quartz is made up of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2).It's
hardness is quite good, being 7 on the Mohr's scale. The color,
hardness, and affordability, makes amethyst one of the most sought after
of colored stones today.
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Rough
Amethyst |
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