Amethyst is a violet form of crystalline quartz, ranging in color from pale to deep purple. This violet coloration comes from irradiation and iron impurities.
Amethyst crystals exist in geodes in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Spain, Afghanistan, Mexico, and South Korea. Geodes are rock cavities lined with mineral matter, like gemstones.
It’s natural to be curious about amethyst. This purple gemstone is simply divine. In this guide, we’ll answer your questions about it.
Is amethyst a gemstone or a crystal?
Amethyst is both a crystal and a gemstone. Crystals are solid materials whose particles are ordered into a crystal lattice. In contrast, gemstones are minerals, rocks, and organic matter highly regarded for their rarity and beauty.
Amethysts have silica molecules arranged in a crystalline lattice. But they also have gorgeous purple hues, which people have admired for centuries. As such, amethysts are both crystals and gemstones.
What does the amethyst stone mean?
The name “amethyst” comes from the Koine Greek word “amethystos” which means “not intoxicated.” This name stemmed from the belief that wearing amethyst could protect one from getting intoxicated.
That belief isn’t popular now, but the gem holds sentimental value for many people. For one, it’s the February birthstone and is popularly used in adorning birthstone jewelry.
The purple hues of this gemstone also represent a calming, cleansing energy. You can use the gem to stimulate your mind and emotions.
What color amethyst is most valuable?
Siberian amethyst is the most valuable amethyst gemstone. It’s deep purple, with flashes of blue and rose within its crystal structure. The darker the shade of purple, the better the quality and higher the cost.
How much is a real amethyst worth?
Amethyst gemstones are relatively affordable, with the lighter shades costing less than the darker ones. You can get a pale or lavender-shade amethyst for as little as $5. Deeper shades of purple amethyst cost around $10 to $50.
Why is amethyst so cheap?
Amethyst is cheap because it’s abundant and accessible. It was considered a precious gemstone before the 1800s until explorers found a large amethyst deposit in Brazil. This sudden abundance lowered its market price.
How do you know if amethyst is real?
Amethyst gems are relatively common, but it’s possible to buy a fake unknowingly. Luckily, it’s always possible to tell a fake apart from an original amethyst. Here are some tips to help you out.
Check the Clarity
Amethysts, unlike emeralds, are completely inclusion-free. Inclusions are bubbles or impurities trapped within a gemstone’s structure.
Amethysts don’t have these inclusions, so the view through an amethyst should be clear. You are likely to see threads or cracks, but if you notice spots of pigmentation or bubbles, your amethyst is likely fake.
Check the Color
Amethysts don’t have one solid color. Instead, they have color zoning, with different shades shooting through the base purple color.
With darker amethysts, you might have shades of blue or reddish undertones in some places. In lighter shades, you’ll find shots of white and light blue. An amethyst with one solid purple color is most likely fake.
Consult a Licensed Gemologist
Buy your gems only from vendors licensed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). Vendors with such a license are more likely to sell authentic pieces.
However, if you’ve already purchased an amethyst gemstone from a vendor and are unsure of its authenticity, visit a gemologist. Gemologists are educated and equipped to examine your amethyst and clarify if it’s real or fake.
What is amethyst stone good for?
Amethysts are notable in alternative medicine for their mental and physical healing abilities. An amethyst can:
- Promote the health of the immune system
- Improve digestive health
- Regulate hormones
- Relieve stress and strain
- Balance moods
- Quell sadness and grief
- Dispel evil thoughts
- Ward of negative energy
Though these beliefs have little scientific backing, it doesn’t hurt to try. You might be calmer and more stabilized from having an amethyst crystal around.
Where should amethyst be placed?
Many spiritualists believe it’s best to place your amethyst on your head. You can put it on your forehead between your eyes while lying down or wear it on your ears.
In your house, it’s best to place it under your bed or close to the nightstand. Such positioning can encourage deeper, more rejuvenating sleep, leaving you refreshed in the morning.
How do I charge my amethyst?
Crystals and gemstones require charging to continue effective functioning. You’d need to charge your amethyst stone to replenish its energy.
To charge it, you can expose it to moonlight. The light radiated by the moon is powerful and will refill your amethyst with positive energy. It’s best to do this under the full moon’s light, leaving it overnight in an open space.
💡 Warning: Beware of leaving your gemstone out during the day. Amethysts can fade under intense sunlight.
Who should not wear amethyst stone?
Everyone can wear an amethyst. Amethysts are beautiful stones, and nobody is barred from them. Unfortunately, some people have conditions that the presence of an amethyst might worsen. Here is a list of people who might want to avoid the purple gemstone.
- People going through a period of change: Change is a necessary part of life, but amethysts can work against your need to change. Amethysts are ideal for those trying to stick with something and that won’t work for you if you’re attempting to change a part of your life.
- People prone to violence: Though amethysts are calming, they can amplify some people’s temper or violent tendencies.
- People trying to break an addiction: An amethyst will make changes in this regard difficult.
Does amethyst have any bad effects?
Amethysts don’t have any harmful effects. People often find the experience of wearing them a calming and rejuvenating one.
How do you care for amethyst?
Amethysts have a Mohs hardness of 7 making them relatively durable. However, they can get scratched by dust (which is also made of quartz). You’ll need to take special care to ensure it stays in good shape. Here are some tips to help you.
- Store it separately: Having a Mohs hardness of 7 means gemstones with the same hardness or higher can scratch it. Keep your amethyst gemstone in a different pouch from other jewelry and gemstones.
- Take it off: Your amethyst crystal can get scratched relatively easily. It’s best to take it off before you exercise, work with hard surfaces, or swim in a chlorinated pool.
- Avoid heat and sun: Many amethysts in the market are heat-treated to improve clarity and color. This treatment makes them sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. The sun’s UV rays can break down the color in your amethyst, causing it to fade. Keep your amethyst away from extreme heat and the sun to prevent damage.
- Clean with soapy water: Clean your amethyst jewelry at home with warm soapy water. Using an ultrasonic cleaner is also possible, but you can’t use them for dyed or fracture-filled stones. Avoid steam cleaners because the heat isn’t suitable for the gemstone.
Can amethyst go in water?
Yes, amethyst can go in water. It’s a water-safe gemstone, and you can wear it in the shower. Take note that you should avoid hard and exfoliating soaps. They can dry out the surface and damage the crystal.
Can amethyst go in sunlight?
Amethyst is susceptible to damage with prolonged exposure to sunlight. It’s possible to wear your amethyst in the sun for a short period, but lengthy periods can discolor it.
What should you avoid with amethyst?
Amethyst isn’t indestructible. Certain substances can scratch and damage the gemstone if you aren’t careful. Here are some things to avoid to extend the lifespan of your amethyst crystal:
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat
- Chlorine, including chlorinated pools
- Hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride, and alkaline solutions often found in cleaning liquids
- Perfumes, hand sanitizers, and hair sprays
How to Cleanse Amethyst Stone
Your amethyst crystal will constantly provide calming energy, but it might get cloudy sometimes. This happens when it has absorbed negative energy from your surroundings. You’ll need to cleanse it to restore its former calming energy. Here are some cleansing methods you can try.
Running water
People consider water the best cleansing method. A naturally flowing water body is your best option if you can find it. If not, you can use bottled spring water. Place the gemstone under the running water, to wash over it for roughly a minute.
Sage
Sage has incredible cleansing abilities. Burn sage in a fire-safe bowl and allow the smoke to envelop your amethyst for at least 30 seconds. It’s best to do this close to an open window to give the negative energy a pathway to leave your home.
Brown Rice
Burying your amethyst beneath brown rice can cleanse it. Get a bowl of brown rice and place your gemstone beneath the grains for 24 hours. The rice will absorb the negative energy in your crystal, so make sure you discard it when you’re done.
Earth
You can also bury your crystal in a patch of soil. Leave it overnight in the ground and retrieve it the next day. Rinse the sand and dirt off with water.
Salt or Salt Water
Salt and salt water help absorb negative energy in crystals and spaces. Using a bowl of seawater, mix salt water with table or sea salt or plain salt crystals. Submerge your amethyst in the water or bury it beneath the salt granules for up to 48 hours. Remember to dispose of the water or salt afterwards to eliminate the negativity.
Where to Buy Amethyst Stone
It’s best to buy your amethyst from a trusted supplier to avoid purchasing a fake. We recommend visiting a seller with certification from GIA or AGM. Here are some stores where you can get genuine amethysts:
- Angara sells high-quality jewelry with diamonds and other gemstones, including amethysts.
- Though Blue Nile specializes in diamonds, you can find dainty amethyst pieces there.
- If you’re in the market for ethically sourced gemstones, try Brilliant Earth. You can find loose amethyst gemstones and beautiful jewelry on their site.
- Etsy is also a great source for rare and unique pieces. Be sure to patronize sellers with good ratings to avoid encountering a fraudulent salesperson.
A Purple Stone to Ease the Stress
Whether you believe in the powers of amethyst crystals or not, you can’t argue against their beauty. Unlike precious gemstones, they’re affordable and will give your jewelry a lovely purple splash.
Remember to patronize trusted jewelers and store your jewelry safely to keep it sparkling for many years.
💎 You should know: We use affiliate links throughout our site. This means we may earn a cent or two when you make a purchase on our site. Thanks for adding to our shine.
