If I were to choose only one crystal to bring with me on a deserted island, it would be Amethyst. This crystal is by far on the top of my list of metaphysical crystal.
Amethyst is a stone of the spirit. In general, the beautiful purple color of this crystal is the color of the spirit and spirituality. Amethyst is also a crystal of protection, selflessness, nobleness, spiritual consciousness, meditativeness, balance and inner peace. One very important feature of Amethyst is to serve as a stone of transfiguration and transformation, bringing harmony and peace wherever needed.
The Physical Origins of Amethyst ’s Color
The color of Amethyst can range from deep purple to lavender.
Notable occurrences are in the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Zambia, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, Russia and India.
Amethyst represents the most popular variation of naturally colored quartz. Owing to its magical purple color, it was highly esteemed in the past. The physical origin of its color, however, is not completely explained up to date. Today, it is generally accepted that Amethyst ’s purple color is a results of the presence of iron ions within the quartz crystal lattice. These iron ions constitute the so-called "color centers", responsible for the change of color from white to the various shades of purple.
In fact, Amethyst can be synthesized in laboratory by adding iron atoms during the growth of quartz, followed by subsequent gamma or X-ray irradiation. Natural quartz contains certain amount of iron, but the mere presence of iron is not enough. It is necessary to have a source of high energy radiation capable of releasing one electron from the iron ion and thereby creating the color center which will be responsible for the characteristic purple Amethyst color. The released electrons from these color centers are trapped inside the crystal as a whole and in normal circumstance they do not play an important role. However, if there were enough energy at their disposal, these electrons would be able to go back to their original position, changing the purple color of Amethyst to some other shade.
This excess of energy could be provided, for example, by heating Amethyst at temperatures above 570 degrees Fahrenheit (300 degrees Celsius). In this process, Amethyst starts to loose its characteristic color, taking on the yellowish color of citrine, or in some cases, on the green color of green amethyst - prasiolite. This sort of "bleaching" of Amethyst could in principle happen also in cases of extensive light exposure, although Amethyst is relatively stable against light of moderate intensity.
Legend and Lore of Amethyst
According to a Roman legend, Bacchus, the Roman God of wine, decided to throw the first person that crossed his path to the tigers from his suite. That unfortunate individual was the maiden Amethyst, who was headed to the temple service devoted to the Moon Goddess, Diana. When the tigers jumped at the poor girl, she uttered the name of the Goddess, and was instantly transformed into a white stone. This miracle brightened the mood of Bacchus, who, as a sign of his repentance, poured some wine over the stone, changing the color of the stone to a beautiful purple shade.
The above story illustrates the basis of the belief that Amethyst prevents drunkenness. It is believed that, if one drinks from a cup made out of Amethyst, or if one places a small piece of amethyst on the navel, the body would be protected from intoxication.
Metaphysical Meanings of Amethyst
Amethyst is above all a crystal of the spirit. It is one of the most useful crystals for meditation, mostly because of its remarkable quality to relax the mind and to detach it from the everyday world of worries and troubles. Amethyst will help us get to a much more comprehensive reality. In meditation, it offers the highest degree of peace, warmth and harmony. The Violet Ray is the ray of Archangel Zadkiel. Archangel Zadkiel is an Angel of forgiveness, grace, tolerance, and transformation of negative into positive energies.
Amethyst facilitates the transition between life and death. It helps in all things spiritual, mystical and psychic. Traditionally, it is a stone of Aquarius. Indeed, Amethyst shares with this sign the ability to work on the humanitarian plan and to induce progressive ideas. However, the spiritual interpretation of birthstones associates Amethyst with Pisces. This beautiful crystal is here to teach us that all we know is just a drop in the sea of knowledge. This knowledge is here for us and awaits us once we have learned how to get rid of our prejudices and limitations.
One of the most useful function of Amethyst is in the conscious invocation of higher spiritual energies and entities. It will enhance our intuition, and bring peace and clarity. It helps in cases of obsessive compulsive behavior. Spiritually developed individuals can use Amethyst to provoke visions and revelations. Amethyst ring worn on the right hand is also a symbol of the Bishops ’ more advanced spirituality.
Some people have developed the habit of sleeping with Amethyst crystals under the pillow. This way, they are able to achieve out of body experiences and lucid dreams more easily. Amethyst should be combined with Rose Quartz. It is an excellent combination because Amethyst calms the mind, whereas Rose Quartz soothes the heart and cures emotional wounds. Rock crystal, if added to Amethyst and Rose quartz, can enhance the effectiveness of both crystals. The three of them together successfully balance the mind, heart and soul.
Crystal Healing (Physical, Emotional and Mental) With Amethyst
Amethyst improves concentration, memory and other mental abilities. Acting as a means against depression, it helps cure headache and reduce fears. The light of Amethyst calms and relaxes, enabling the person who wears it to clarify the thoughts and achieve inner harmony. Besides the abilities to awaken clairvoyance, it protects against witchcraft and evil forces.
Amethyst will help you whenever you find yourself overwhelmed with negative energies, such as rage, hatred and guilt, or if you want to reduce sorrow and pain. It helps in cases of grief, and encourages acceptance of loss. On the other hand, it provides insight into the powers of Divine love, encourages selflessness and spiritual wisdom, and stimulates the third eye.
On the physical level, Amethyst regulates the secretion of hormones, cleanses the blood, regulates the blood pressure, calms the nerves, protects the heart, soothes bruising and swellings, and helps in cases of hearing disorders. It is beneficial for the digestive system; it relaxes and enables easier falling asleep. It facilitates hair growth, and cleanses the skin and pores.
Amethyst should be discharged under the flow of luke-warm running water. It should be charged next to a bunch of rock crystals. Excessive exposure to sunlight is not recommended.
Comments:
Lori says:
07-01-2012
Thank you for this information. I ventured into a crystal store with the intention of bringing home a clear crystal quartz
only to be drawn to an amethyst pendant. After reading what you wrote, I understand why. I need everything that the amethyst can bring into my life. Thank you so much!
sunnyray says:
07-02-2012
Thanks to you Lori for sharing with us your experience with this wondrous crystal.
Mel says:
10-09-2012
I have just bought an amethyst bracelet and a tigers eye bracelet. Can I wear them together on the same wrist?
I also have a clear quartz pendant that I'm wearing and a rose quartz pendant that I want to wear but confused as to when to wear them, wear them separately? Or together ? Can you advise me please?
sunnyray says:
10-14-2012
Hi Mel
My personal choice would be wearing an amethyst bracelet on the left wrist alongside green calcite, green rock crystal or jade. I would wear tigers eye on the right wrist together
with red jasper or sunstone. As for the second question, the answer would be Yes. You can combine rose quartz with clear quartz very well.
abz says:
02-17-2013
Hi!
Great information! I have recently bought an amethyst pendant and it has really calmed me n feel so light out of depression. I
also got onyx bracelet as a gift but confused on which hand should i wear it on. Also got rings of opal and lapis lazuli.
I'm a libra. Currently using amethyst pendant (a must). Can i wear onyx bracelet with it? N on which hand? And would lapis
lazuli ring n opal ring go along amethyst and onyx. Please tell me which gems rings or bracelet to continue n which one i should avoid. Thank you.
abz says:
02-17-2013
Hi Abz
There is really no strict rules when it comes to matching various stones. It is all very individual. Try to experiment a little bit and monitor your reactions.
Teena says:
03-17-2013
Hi, Can any body Please tell me on which arm should I wear amethyst bracelet? Right or left? On left arm I wear watch so, can I wear bracelet & watch together? Thanks for help.
sunnyray says:
03-20-2013
In principle, you can use both arms. The difference, if you like, is in accentuating your feminine or masculine side (artistic or rational, right or left brain hemisphere). Your left arm is
related to the right brain hemisphere.
Valster2003 says:
04-24-2013
What does it mean when my amethyst bracelet which is purple fades out to being white or smokey white when worn?
sunnyray says:
04-29-2013
Amethyst fades if exposed to strong light or intense heat, but genuine natural Amethyst should do that very gradually. It is known that
there are Amethyst crystals with artificially enhanced color that fade more rapidly. I can't say for sure, but that could be the case with your bracelet.
