Amethyst

A known apt birthstone for the February-born individuals, it is dominated by brilliant purple for its color. What gemstone am I talking about? It’s definitely Amethyst!

Its color is as exceptional as it is seductive, although gemstones are said to be one’s protection against seduction. But with this gem, I can’t blame you if you immediately grow attachment, because I also did. This extravagant violet stone is the most remarkable representative of the quartz mineral family which is also one of the most coveted stone of today. Along with its wordless beauty are tons and tons of uses and beliefs under its wide umbrella.

It is once said to be the representation of the Spirit of God. Another common belief is its power to protect you from being drunk; the latter can be further attested for its Greek name amethystos readily translates not intoxicated. To whatever purposes this stone may serve, one thing’s for sure; there is a lot going on for amethyst than just being a fitting birthstone for February.

Amethyst mineral is a specimen known for its exaggerated color and beautiful crystal forms that reflects an everlasting luster. Amethyst is fortunately one of the stones that are easy to find, however, it may pose a difference depending on the location it if found. Different region can produce amethysts only particular to their mine. Experts can even distinguish the source of mine which a particular amethyst crystal came from. They say that the key here is its color, shape, character, and associations to its formation. This may sound complex to us mere humans but for experts, it’s a given.

We all know that the color violet conventionally is the color of royalty. In history, Amethyst gem stones have long been used to adorn the prominent and the rulers. Today, due to its fortunate supply and abundance, Amethyst has become an affordable gem that never compromised its eternal beauty. It is widely available in an array of cut and shapes that all people can readily admire not to mention possess.

It is believed that amethyst is one of the most attractive of all the colored gems; however, the concept behind the best-looking stone is of course based of personal preference. But this gem is long been favored by countless gemstones aficionados because of its rich violet color. However, the quality and color of these gems vary considerably ranging from the general favorite deep purple to the lighter ones with average color intensity.

One distinct characteristic of the amethyst mineral is its ability to change its colors on different temperatures. Once heated with over 400 degrees, it can transform from being a deep purplish color to plain colorless. Intermediate heating can turn it into a smoky yellow to brownish-red in color. Some amethyst stone are even pale to almost colorless in the light of day. The reason behind it is still unknown.

The fact that these stones have a disadvantage to change its color under extreme heat makes it obvious that you should avoid wearing your amethyst jewelry during long exposure to sun such as sunbathing. Sudden changes in the temperature can also be damaging to the stone.

One thing about this gem that some find very bizarre is its lower price compared to its equally beautiful gems such as ruby, sapphire and emerald, all are stunning in their own ways. It is true; amethyst is not as expensive as the other gems mentioned which makes them a steady bargain among the others.

It was traditionally included as one of the most precious gemstones in existence; however amethyst has lost a great deal of its value when they discovered an extensive deposit of Brazilian amethyst. But no matter what, amethyst will still remain as one of the most beautiful gemstones that ever subsisted.