There are several stories about amethyst quartz origin that include Dionysus.  One counts that Dionysus was insulted by an ordinary mortal and in revenge, he swore to slay the first mortal who crossed his way. 
It turned out to be a beautiful young woman, named Amethystos, who was on her way to pay tribute to goddess Artemis. To saved her from such a violent death, Artemis transformed her into a statue of pure rock crystal quartz. The sight of the beautiful quartz, made Dionysus regret from his poor behaviour and weep tears of wine. Those tears stained the quartz that became purple.

Until the 18th century, amethyst quartz was one of the central precious stones, and it was even known as the Queen of Precious Stones, being at the same level as the diamond.
With the discovery of gem deposits in Brazil, its price has gone down, making it an affordable gemstone.


The colour of amethyst is due to the presence of iron (Fe2 +) and aluminium (Al) in its composition, but when heated or subjected to ultraviolet radiation, it can become almost colourless.
When exposed to temperatures of around 500 ºC, amethyst quartz becomes yellowish, a "variety" known as "burnt amethyst".
This change in colour is the result of an oxidation process, that is, Fe2 + becomes Fe3 +. Amethyst quartz exposed to sunlight easily indeed loses its colour.

Amethyst quartz is the birthstone of February, but it is also associated with the signs of Capricorn, Aquarius, Aries, Pisces, Cancer and Sagittarius.
It is one of the stones associated with Valentine's Day because it helps its bearers to keep their faith. It is considered a gemstone of peace, harmony, trust and tranquillity, that strengthens wisdom, faith, religiosity, indulgence and strength of mind.

Amethyst quartz was used by the Egyptians, and also in England, in Anglo-Saxon tombs.
Greek mythology states that Amethyst was a nymph besieged by Dionysus, who, for that reason, was transformed by the goddess of chastity into a transparent crystal. Furious, Dionysus dipped the crystal in wine, which gained its lilac colour.
Used as a protective amulet for soldiers, and hunters of wild animals. It is common, in the East jewellery, like a forehead jewel, because of the positive influence on the Ajna chakra, also known as the "third eye."

Amethyst Quartz

The amethyst is violet quartz that, according to tradition attracts love and good luck.
The amethyst quartz is the birthstone associated with February and the sign of Pisces. It is a symbol of heavenly understanding, pioneering thought and action in philosophy, religion, and spiritual and material matters.


Amethyst comes from the Greek words "a" meaning "no" and "methuskein" that means "intoxicate", as they believed that the owner of this stone was protected from drunkenness.

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