Amethyst Crystal

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Amethyst is a popular purple variety of quartz and is a semi-precious gem used for jewelry. It is typically found in Africa and South America, including places such as Brazil and Uruguay. Amethyst is so closely tied to the color purple that it is often used interchangeably to refer to it.

The name derives from ancient Greek and refers to the belief that it protected its owner against drunkenness. The ancient Egpytians, Greeks and Romans used it for jewelry, and carved drinking vessals from it. It was often used in antiquity for intaglio engraved gemstones. It has been found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England. It is considered sacred to the Buddha in Tibet and used to make prayer beads. Until the 18th century it was considered among the most valuable gemstones.

Chemically it is a variety of quartz (SiO2) with color due to impurites in the crystal. It may appear from light pinkish-violet to deep purple in color.

It is believed to have crystal healing and spiritual properties including: encouraging self control, helping meditation and sleep, calming harsh emotions, and helping stimulate the imagination. It has been used as a therapy stone or reiki stone.