As alluring as this stone seems to our eyes, Amethyst is a real gem that holds so much mysticism and uniqueness to it. From its name, many intriguing myths, legends and stories abound. Amethyst is repleted with so many curious facts yo are not aware of.

1. Its names was derived from the Greek word “amethystos” which means “not intoxicated” or “not drunk.”

It was believed the amethyst rings could prevent people from getting drunk after taking alcohol. This fun fact is traced back to a Greek myth, Dionysius. Dionysius was commonly known as the “god of intoxication.” One day, a human’s insult angered him and he swore revenge on the next mortal that will cross his path, and that happened to be Amethyst, a beautiful girl on her way to pay homage to the goddess Diana.

Just as Amethyst was about to be attacked by violent tigers that were sent by Dionysius, she was transformed into a beautiful crystalline quartz by Diana to protect her. Dionysius regretted his wrong actions to the innocent woman and began wiping tears of wine in remorse. Those tears stained the quartz and turned it to purple, and legend says this is how the precious amethyst stone was first created.

There are other stories that describe the origin of this tone. Some say the “god of wine”, Bacchus helped by the goddess Artemis, while others say Bacchus alone spilled a glass of wine of a transparent quartz statue. In all the stories, one thing seems certain, a woman was turned into a quartz statue that became dyed in a purple color.

2. Not only is it February’s birthstone, but also Pisces’

The general belief is that amethyst supports spirituality and intuition of Pisces persons. It also protects them and allows them to have inner peace by encouraging them to self-reflect and dig deep to discover the cause of their issues so they can let off the pain and stress.

3. It’s a purple variety of quartz 

The amethyst stands out as the most valuable and most highly priced purple stone in the quartz family. It grows in ferrous oxide-rich veins, and owes it’s unique color to its chemical composition.

4. The birthstone’s value is determined by its color intensity

The general color of amethysts is purple, but there are those with rich and deep purple color, which are rare and are therefore the most valuable. The Siberian deep purple with red and blue flares is the most priced amethyst.

5. Compared to other precious gemstones, Amethyst is relatively softer 

The softness of amethyst gives cutters more freedom to be creative with their artistic cuts. This gemstone can be cut in many ways, whether oval, cushion, marquise, triangle and even cabochon cuts.

6. Amethyst is a gemstone that works well with all kinds of designs

This precious stone can be found on a delicate ring or small elegant pendants, or even in a large startling necklace.

7. It is a Type 2 gemstone

Being classified as a Type 2 gemstone, amethyst usually comes with very few inclusions. In essence, most amethysts are eye-clean.

8. Royals love Amethyst

The gemstone has been worn by royal member and elites all over the world from ancient times even to present day. It’s rare for people in this class not to have had at least one amethyst piece in their jewelry collection.

The Swedish Monarchy is renowned for owning one of the most precious amethyst set in the royal world, with so many years of history behind it. Initially owned by Empress Joséphine, Napoleon’s first wife before she handed it to her son, Eugène de Beauharnais, passing it further to his daughter, Josephine of Leuchtenberg, who was to become the queen of Sweden later on. Queen Silvia and Princess Madeleine have been spotted shining in this magical crown and earring many time.

9.  Citrine can be gotten from amethyst

If amethyst is heated to temperatures above 300ºC or 400ºC, it becomes yellowish, and this is sold as false citrine.

10. Amethyst is believed to have healing powers

For many centuries, healers and medicine men have often used amethyst as a healing stone for different health problems like headaches, joint pain and pancreatic issues. It’s most effective when brought in contact with a particular part of the body that is suffering the problem.

Scroll through stunning amethyst Engagement rings below.