Amethyst was at one point in history reserved for royalty and has many folklore associations that date back centuries. The purple variety of the quartz mineral species, amethyst has been thought to produce strength and clarity, as well as a protection from harm. This beautiful violet gem has a rich history that spans many ages and cultures.
While some stones—like turquoise, for example—have an extensive history with deep roots, the history behind amethyst might be even older. In France, it’s been discovered that prehistoric humans dating back 25,000 years used amethyst as a decoration. It’s also been found among Neolithic human remains.
More recently, it’s been said that Cleopatra’s signet ring was an amethyst engraved with the Persian deity Mithras. There are historical accounts of Saint Valentine possessing an amethyst ring carved to look like Cupid. This stone is also associated with royalty in large part because of the color—which British royals wore on their regalia during the Middle Ages.
In the 1700s, Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, had something of a love affair with the amethyst. She absolutely loved the gem and was known for decking herself in amethyst necklaces, earrings, and various ornaments.
In the last century, amethysts enjoyed the limelight yet again when famed jewelry connoisseur Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, wore a gorgeous Cartier-designed bib-style amethyst and turquoise necklace to a Versailles gala in 1953.
METAPHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
Amethyst has been used throughout the ages as a calming stone, it is said to be one of the most powerful healing stones giving off naturally tranquillising energy.
Amethyst is thought to be extremely beneficial to the mind - calming or stimulating as appropriate. It is said to help you feel less scattered, more focused and in control of your faculties. Many believe that amethyst facilitates the decision making process, bringing common sense and spiritual insight.
Amethyst activates spiritual awareness, opens intuition and enhances psychic abilities, and dispels stress, anxiety, grief and despair.
Amethyst is said to boost hormones and tune the metabolism, cleanse the blood and relieve emotional, physical and physiological pains or stresses. The stone is also believed to help with reducing bruising, swelling and even treat hearing disorders as well as lung diseases, skin conditions and insomnia.
