Amethyst (Quartz) and Gemstones

A variety of Quartz. Purple, lilac and mauve quartz is called amethyst. The highest quality is transparent. Amethyst is an affordable purple gemstone.

The United States has a great diversity of amethyst deposits from Maine, Pennsylvania and North Carolina to Montana and Colorado. The color range of American Amethyst is generally from medium to high in saturation and may include smoky or translucent versions of crystal. Amethyst of Maine and the Carolinas is usually dark with North Carolina amethyst having a bluish tint unique to that area. Very dark stones are sometimes heated to lighten and intensity color. There are deposits of amethyst at Due West and Jonesville. At one time, was considered so rare that there were stones of amethyst set in the Crown Jewels of England. More on...   

Colors: Clear, Lilac, Mauve, Purple, Rose

Lustre: Vitreous

System: Trigonal

South Carolina Symbol - Gemstone adopted in 1969

The Amethyst was designated as the official State Gemstone by the General Assembly June 24, 1969 (Act No. 345). South Carolina is one of three states where the gem stone Amethyst of good quality is found in the U.S.; the curator of mineralogy for the Smithsonian Institute has graded one of the largest early specimens from this State as the finest seen in this country; such stone now holds first place in the Amethyst section in the institute...is the most prized type of quartz for its wide use and various shades and hue from deep orchid color.

Care and Treatment

Clean your Amethyst in ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Amethyst often becomes paler if kept out in the sun.

Amethyst is sometimes heat treated to create Citrine.

Hardness

Hardness (Mohs'): 7
Hardness Data: Measured
Fracture: Conchoidal
Density (measured): 2.65 - 2.66 g/cm3
Density (calculated): 2.66 g/cm3

Healing

Headaches; blood sugar imbalance; L brain imbalances; edginess; facilitates healing; inner peace; psychic insight; stimulates third eye; aid for meditation, spiritual opening & internal surrender.

Birthstone Months

February: Modern, Traditional, and Ayurvedic Birthstone

Star Stone Months

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Birthstone

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Birthstone/Lucky Charm

Sagitarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Birthstone

Anniversary Gemstone

Amethyst is the anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 6th year of marriage.

 
Mystical Properties

Amethyst is used to increase spiritually.

 
Lore

Often amethyst is given as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind.

Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it! The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety.

Amethyst is the US State Gemstone of South Carolina (and Canadian State Gemstone of Ontario, Canada).