The Facts

Amethyst is a purple, black, and sometimes hot pink variety of quartz found in abundance throughout the world. Its chemical composition is SiO2, and it holds a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.

The famous Amethyst purple is created by the interaction of trace amounts of iron and aluminum and natural radiation. After crystallization, gamma rays emitted by radioactive material inside the host rock interact with iron and aluminum. Amethyst from some locales will fluoresce cream or white under short wave ultraviolet light.

Folklore & History of Amethyst

The name comes from the Greek word ametusthos, meaning, “not intoxicated” or “sober.” To the Greeks, wearing Amethyst prevented drunkenness. From an ancient legend:

“The wine god Bacchus, angry over an insult and determined to avenge himself, decreed the first person he should meet would be devoured by his tigers. The unfortunate mortal happened to be a beautiful maiden named Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. As the ferocious beasts sprang, Amethyst sought the protection of Diana and was saved when the goddess turned her into a clear, white crystal. Bacchus, regretting his cruelty, poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering, giving the crystal its purple color.”

In the 19th century, Amethyst was considered equal in value to precious gemstones like ruby, diamond, sapphire, and emerald. British royalty and bishops wore Amethyst on their crowns, and St. Valentine wore an Amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid.

Historical Uses of Amethyst

The astrologer Camillo Leonardi wrote that Amethyst quickens intelligence and rids the mind of evil thoughts. Amethyst has also been used to cultivate a shrewd business mentality.
It was worn by warriors to aid them to victory and protect them from wounds.
People carried Amethyst when seeking game, to guard against the anger of passion, and encourage calm and contemplation.
Amethyst is also believed to protect the wearer from contagious diseases, prevent drunkenness, and put demons to flight if a bear is carved into the stone.

Energetics & Metaphysics

Amethyst is valued by a great many people the world over for two main reasons. First, Amethyst is readily available and relatively inexpensive (though this isn’t always the case).

Second, allies of amethyst find it to be nourishing physically, emotionally/psychologically, and spiritually.

Amethyst is a stone of spiritual protection, purification, and growth. It also relaxes the nervous system, helping to center and calm the mind, making it excellent for meditation.

Along with easing mental anxiety, working with amethyst can help you to identify root causes behind negative behaviors, and may aid in overcoming addictions.

It can also be used as a comforting crystal for grief related to losing a loved one.

Amethyst also…

Stimulates Third Eye, Crown, & Etheric Chakras.
Is associated with the Violet flame (healing vibration associated with Amethyst and the Third Eye) and devotion to the Divine.
Brings passion & imagination while stimulating creativity.
Assists in major transitions of life.
Signifies freedom from harm when appearing in dreams.

Getting Started with Amethyst

My favorite way to work with the energy of Amethyst right now is by laying the stone on the body.

In a lying position, place Amethyst on the throat to support emotional expression or place it on the Third Eye for connection with the Divine.

Another favorite is holding Amethyst in the palm of the hand during meditation to open the Chest/Heart center.

I also enjoy wearing an Amethyst bracelet. It stimulates Yin and Yang points on the wrist associated with anxiety and depression.

Another way to learn from the stone is by placing it under your pillow at night. Pay close attention to your dreams to see what Amethyst can teach you!

Ready to work with this powerful stone ally? Head over to our shop to find your new crystalline best friend.

And be sure to drop us a line on Facebook or Instagram to let us know your favorite way to work with this stone of protection.

The content of this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using stone medicine. For more information, click here.

Amethyst: Third Eye Royalty