Birthstone Spotlight: Amethyst
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February is here so it’s time for another birthstone spotlight! Today, we’ll learn about amethyst.
Because of its purple color, fine amethyst has also long been associated with royalty. It was used as a gemstone in royal crowns and religious jewelry for centuries, and its value was once considered equal to that of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. However, in the 19th century, large deposits of amethyst were found in Brazil, drastically decreasing the gem’s value.
Fine amethyst is generally eye-clean, meaning it does not contain visible inclusions. If an amethyst is a nice color but contains a visible inclusion, it will often be cut into a shape that does not show the inclusion. For example, it may be cut into a cabochon or bead.
What is Amethyst?
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. In fact, when most people think of a purple gemstone, amethyst is the gem that comes to mind (although it’s not the only one). Amethyst’s color can range from light purple to a deep, royal purple.The History of Amethyst
The name amethyst is derived from the ancient Greek word “amethystos,” which means “not drunk.” Ancient Greeks associated amethyst with their god of wine and legend suggested that wearers of amethyst could evade drunkenness.Because of its purple color, fine amethyst has also long been associated with royalty. It was used as a gemstone in royal crowns and religious jewelry for centuries, and its value was once considered equal to that of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. However, in the 19th century, large deposits of amethyst were found in Brazil, drastically decreasing the gem’s value.
Quality Factors
Amethysts are one of the gemstones that frequently show color zoning. Color zoning means that the gemstone may have angular zones of darker or light color within it. The finest amethysts are ones that have the deepest color saturation with no visible color zoning -- as long as the gem is not too dark to reduce its overall brightness. When amethyst contains color zoning or any brown tones, it demands a much lower price.Fine amethyst is generally eye-clean, meaning it does not contain visible inclusions. If an amethyst is a nice color but contains a visible inclusion, it will often be cut into a shape that does not show the inclusion. For example, it may be cut into a cabochon or bead.
How to Care For Amethyst Jewelry
Amethyst can be used in all types of jewelry but it should be worn with some care (to avoid scratching). You can safely clean your amethyst jewelry using warm soapy water or an ultrasonic cleaner. However, amethyst can be damaged by heat changes, so it’s best to avoid steam cleaning.
Do your best to remove amethyst jewelry before cleaning, as it can be damaged by certain chemicals. Amethyst can also fade when subjected to bright lights for an extended period of time.
Interesting Facts About Amethyst
- Amethyst is the birthstone for February, as well as the gem for the 6th and 17th anniversaries.
- Amethyst ranks as a 7 on Mohs Scale.
- Amethyst was one of the emblems of the twelve apostles.
- Greek legends suggested that amethyst promoted clear-headed and prevented its wearer from getting drunk.
- The GIA Museum once displayed a single amethyst crystal that weighed 164 lbs!
