South Carolina Symbols, Gemstone: Amethyst

Adopted on June 24, 1969.

The Amethyst was designated as the official State Gemstone by the General Assembly June 24, 1969 (Act No. 345). "S.C. 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."

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.

Purple, lilac and mauve quartz is called amethyst. The highest quality is transparent. Amethyst is an affordable purple gemstone. More on...   

Amethyst, according to legend, originated when Bacchus, the god of wine, grew angry at mortals. He vowed the next mortal that crossed his path would be eaten by tigers. at that time, a beautiful young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to worship the goddess Diana. Diana, knowing of Bacchus's vow, turned Amethyst into a pillar of colorless quartz to protect her from the tigers. Bacchus, witnessing the miracle, repented and poured wine over Amethyst, staining her purple. This connection with Bacchus led to the belief that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness. Also considered an aid to the brave, Amethyst was believed to protect soldiers in battle, control evil thoughts, help hunters capture wild beasts and make it's owner shrewd in business matters.

 This member of the quartz family is the birthstone for the month of February and is designated for the first wedding anniversary.