INSIDE: Intrigued by the beauty of Amethyst and you want to know more? With almost 100 Amethyst facts, you'll discover why this stone is our favorite.

 

Wanna know everything there is to know about Amethyst in a short and concise way? 

We're pretty sure we've got you covered!

Here are 97 Amethyst facts that will help you see why we have an obsession with this incredible crystal.

General Amethyst Facts

Let's start off with some general Amethyst facts that we think you'll find really interesting...

1. Amethyst is the most valuable crystal in the quartz family. Its chemical classification is silicon dioxide (SIO2).

2. Amethyst can be light lavender, deep violet, and anywhere in between, and sometimes it looks reddish-purple, while other times, it can be blueish-purple.

3. Amethyst gets its purple color from iron oxide in the quartz, and it has more iron than any other type of quartz. After the stone crystalizes, gamma rays that are emitted by radioactive materials inside the rock irradiate the iron, turning it purple.

4. Typically, Amethyst is transparent, but it can contain inclusions that make it cloudy (opaque).

5. It rates a 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it is extremely scratch-resistant.

6. Its crystal structure is hexagonal.

7. Amethyst is currently found in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Africa, United States, Siberia, Canada, Australia, France, Russia, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Zambia, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania.

8. The name, "amethyst," comes from the Greek word, "amethystos," meaning "not drunken." This is because throughout history, it has been said to ward off drunkenness.

9. Amethyst is sold in many different forms, including:

• Amethyst geodes of all sizes
• Amethyst geode slices
• Tumbled stones
• Clusters
• Faceted gemstones
• Beads

Amethyst Geode Facts

Amethyst Geodes are such an interesting topic. Here are some intriguing facts about them...

10. In Greece, the word “geode” means “shape of the earth.”

11. An Amethyst Cathedral is a geode that is shaped like the arch of a cathedral. Another name for it is an Amethyst Church.

12. An Amethyst Cave is an Amethyst Geode that has been opened up like a cave instead of being cut in half to form a cathedral.

13. An Amethyst Geode Cluster is a clustering of Amethyst Geode crystals. They can come in many different shapes and sizes.

14. An Amethyst Druzy Geode is a clustering of very small Amethyst crystals that look similar to sugar.

15. An Amethyst Slice is a geode that has been sliced through the entire geode instead of being cut in half like a cathedral. This allows you to see each layer of the geode.

16. Each crystal inside of an Amethyst Geode has 6 sides.

17. Most of the Amethyst Geodes in the world are found in Brazil and Uruguay.

18. Amethyst Geodes that are from Brazil are mined from lava flows in the Parana Continental Flood Basalt Province.

19. Uruguyan Amethyst geodes are usually very deep purple and their terminations (crystal points) are often larger than the ones found in Brazil.

20. Amethyst Geodes are formed when gas bubbles in lava try to rise to the surface but can't due to fast-cooling, thickening lava at the top. The trapped bubbles form hollow cavities. Water that includes traces of silica and minerals below the lava is forced up, penetrating the hollow cavities. Over millions of years, crystals begin to grow inside the cavities according to what minerals were in the water.

21. To extract Amethyst Geodes from the earth, miners create cave tunnels in the lava flows. Then, they drill into the cave walls and insert a small camera so that they can spot geodes behind the walls. When one is found, they carefully break down the wall to reveal the geodes.

22. Amethyst Cathedrals are a combination of natural crystals and man-made techniques. The geode is cut in half, revealing nature's beautiful work. Then, cement is added on the outside of the geode and along the bottom to form a base. The cement is painted black and the crystals are polished.

23. Sometimes, agate forms in between the Amethyst crystals and the outer edge of the geode. When this happens, the outer shell can be completely removed, making it beautiful inside and out.

24. The largest Amethyst Cathedral in the world is called the Empress of Uruguay. It is almost eight feet tall and weighs over 5000 pounds. 

25. Amethyst Geode value is determined by size of the geode, size of crystal points, depth of color, thinness of walls, symmetry, and lack of defects, as well as any rare formations or rims.

26. Amethyst Geodes range in price drastically, from a couple dollars to many thousands of dollars.

Amethyst's Relation to Other Crystals

Amethyst has a strong relation to several other crystals. Check out these Amethyst facts...

27. Citrine can be created by heating Amethyst. This can happen naturally or purposely.

28. When Amethyst and Citrine appear in the same stone, it is called Ametrine.

29. When Amethyst is layered with white quartz, is is called Chevron Amethyst.

Amethyst Traditions

There are several traditions that relate to Amethyst, including...

30. Amethyst is traditionally given for a sixth anniversary.

31. Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for February.

32. It is the zodiac birthstone for Pisces (February 19 - March 20).

33. It's the natural birthstone for Winter Solstice (Nov 21 - Dec 20).

34. Amethyst is the official gemstone for the province of Ontario.

Amethyst Feng Shui Facts

Amethyst is often used as a Feng Shui tool...

35. The typical area to use Amethyst in Feng Shui is in the Knowledge & Wisdom area (Northeast area). There, it works to reduce stress, increase self-love, enhance meditation, and promote healthy sleep.

36. But Amethyst is so versatile that it can also be used in Feng Shui to improve the flow of energy in almost any space. 

37. In the Career & Life Journey area, Amethyst will boost your mental concentration and help you fulfill your life purpose.

38. In the Love & Relationships area, Amethyst will provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere along with loving emotions.

39. In the Family & Health area, Amethyst can help you release blame and guilt, help you let go of the blocks that are hurting your family relationships, and connect you with your ancestors.

40. In the Wealth & Prosperity area, Amethyst can help you manifest what you want and make decisions that lead to prosperity.

41. In the Center & Self area, an Amethyst will bring you serenity and cleanse your energy system to promote wholeness.

42. In the Helpful People & Travel area, Amethyst will help you tap into your intuition and receive spiritual guidance so that you can live with more ease and flow.

43. In the Children & Creativity area, Amethyst can help cleanse negative energy from your children and your inner child.

44. In the Fame & Reputation area, Amethyst will help you improve self-acceptance and confidence so you can be authentic.

Warnings Related to Amethyst

There are some things you need to be careful with when it comes to Amethyst. These Amethyst facts will help you use it properly...

45. Amethyst's beautiful color will fade in sunlight.

46. Amethyst should not be used by people who have paranoia or schizophrenia.

47. You should always clear your amethyst after someone else has handled it, before and after healing sessions, and as regular maintenance. 

History of Amethyst

Amethyst has been used for many thousands of years in many different ways...

48. Amethyst was recorded as being used as far back as 25,000 B.C.

49. Prior to the 19th century, Amethyst was a precious stone since it was as rare as Emerald and Ruby stones. One large deposits of Amethyst Geodes were found in Brazil, Amethyst was downgraded to a semi-precious stone.

50. Amethyst is a stone of royalty and has therefore been used in crowns, scepters, and jewelry by the royal house for centuries. 

51. Amethyst was called the "Gem of Fire" in ancient times because it was thought to contain fire energy, an energy that is creative, passionate, and spiritual.

52. Amethyst was known as "Hemag" in Ancient Egypt when it was worn as heart-shaped amulets during burial ceremonies.

53. Egyptians also wore Amethyst for protection during travel.

54. It was called "Ahlamah" to the Hebrews, a word that was derived from the Hebrew word "halam," which means "to dream."

55. Throughout history, Amethyst has been known as the Bishop's Stone since it symbolized ecclesiastical dignity. Bishops continue to wear Amethysts on the second finger of their right hand to this day.

56. In the East, Amethyst was often used in temples of worship, in the gem cities, and in the tree of life, as well as during offerings, meditation, and spiritual practices.

Amethyst Symbolism & Folklore

Symbolism and folklore might not be considered "Amethyst facts," but this info will show you how it was used in that way in the past...

57. Amethyst was known as a "Stone of Sobriety," because it was thought that it helped reduce drunkenness and overindulgence.

58. It was used by priests and clergymen to control evil thoughts.

59. Amethyst was used to protect soldiers and help them to be victorious in war.

60. Amethyst was used in Peru for protection against witchcraft. The ceremony included engraving the name of the sun and moon on the Amethyst stone and hanging it around their neck with a baboon's hair or a swallow's feather.

61. It was used in astrology to help align planetary influences.

62. It was (and still is) placed under pillows to improve sleep and reduce nightmares.

63. Amethyst was used as a love spell. They would speak the name of the person they loved into an Amethyst stone and it was thought that it would summon their love, even if they were committed to another. 

64. Amethyst was said to lighten in color when placed near an attacker.

65. Amethyst was engraved with a bear image to send demons away.

66. Amethyst was used as the North-East point on a medicine wheel to bring about balance and healing. 

67. The goddesses Artemis and Diana are associated with Amethyst.

Healing Benefits of Amethyst

Okay maybe this section isn't "Amethyst facts" per se (since there haven't been enough studies to say these things are definitely true) but we think they deserve to be here.

68. Amethyst is an extremely versatile stone with almost limitless benefits, but the most popular healing properties of Amethyst include:

• Intuition and psychic abilities
• Relaxation
• Protection
• Purification
• Love

69. Amethyst is often used to assist with insomnia and nightmares.

70. It soothes and calms the body, mind, and spirit.

71. Its calming qualities provide us with natural stress relief.

72. Amethyst is a high vibrational crystal that can help us raise our vibration.

73. Amethyst optimizes the third eye and crown chakras, which improves our intuition and Divine guidance.

74. It is often used to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual protection from negative energies and attacks.

75. Amethyst promotes hormone balance, which can help with weight loss, mood swings, and many other symptoms.

76. Due to its calming energy, Amethyst can help us with patience, peace, and selfishness.

77. Amethyst works to improve mental focus, bring us new ideas, and improve our decision-making, goal setting, and achievement.

78. Amethyst contains the violet flame vibration, which transmutes negative energy into the energy of love. 

79. Amethyst is often used in meditation to clear the mind and reach deeper states of consciousness.

Amethyst Uses

Now, let's look at all the different ways Amethyst is and has been used...

80. Amethyst Geodes are used quite simply for home decoration as they are absolutely stunning. They can be made into Amethyst Geode Tables or simply admired on their own.

81. One of the most common uses for Amethyst is as a meditation tool since it helps to reduce mind chatter and prepare the mind for deeper states of consciousness.

82. An Amethyst Elixir can be made very simply by adding an Amethyst Tumbled Stone to a glass of water. 

83. Amethyst can be used for many spa and relaxation treatments, such as ritual baths and foot baths.

84. Amethyst is often used as a natural sleep aid to settle the mind and reduce insomnia and nightmares.

85. Amethysts are often used as one of the main healing stones in crystal grids and spiritual altars. 

86. Amethysts are of course worn as jewelry since they are so appealing to the eye and as a way to bring their healing properties everywhere we go.

87. You can use an Amethyst Tumbled Stone as a worry stone. Just place it in your pocket and rub it between your thumb and fingers when you feel anxious.

88. Amethyst can even be used in magical ceremonies.

89. Amethysts are often used as good luck charms since their high vibrational energy can attract positive results.

90. An amethyst can be used to open the Third Eye and Crown chakra.

91. You can place other crystals on a large Amethyst Geode to clear and cleanse them.

92. Amethysts are often used to protect homes from negative energy.

93. It can be fun to use an Amethyst Geode as a wishing well. Write down your wish, place it in your geode overnight, and know that it's coming your way!

94. You might consider cleansing your food and drinks with a large Amethyst Geode. Just place them next to your geode or sit next to your geode while you eat.

95. Amethyst might calm colic when your baby won't stop crying.

96. Pets and plants benefit from being near Amethyst geodes as well. 

97. And lastly, we can't forget love. Amethyst's energy is very loving and it can certainly inspire more of it in your life. 

Final Thoughts About Amethyst Facts

With these Amethyst facts, you know almost everything there is to know about this incredible crystal. Have a fact you want to add? Please comment below!

 

* Crystals and stones should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Please read our full disclosure notice here.