Let's Talk About Beads 101: Amethyst

Welcome (back) to another issue of Delightful Gems! Delightful Gems is our blog, centered around everything related to our handmade jewelry business. We are continuing with our Let's Talk About Beads 101 series and this time we're talking about Amethyst.

Amethyst is among one of the most common and popular gemstones. Amethyst has historically been associated with royalty, wealth, and power. It is also February's birthstone. 

Amethyst is a naturally occurring variety of quartz that usually grows on the inside of agate geodes. It gets its purple color from the combination of iron and aluminum. Geodes containing amethyst crystals are formed when clay, silt, sand, or gravel are deposited and compacted by running water. Geodes containing the amethyst crystals often reach several feet in height. Amethyst has a hardness rating of 7, making it suitable for use in all types of jewelry. 

Amethyst is thought to be a stone of spiritual protection and purification. Some believe amethyst prevents drunkenness and has the power to curb a range of indulgences and aid in giving up bad habits. Amethyst is also believed to clear one's energy field of negative influences and attachments.   

In several cultures, amethyst is viewed as a symbol of peace and unification. It is also thought to evoke feelings of serenity and calmness in those who wear it.

Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Australia, Mexico, Africa, Germany, Russia, and the United States.

We hope you enjoyed the exploration of the intriguing stone. If you feel drawn to the properties of this stone, be sure to check out the amethyst pieces we have in our online store.