Amethyst: Meaning, Healing Properties, History & Use
Amethyst is a lovely purple variety of quartz, with hues ranging from pale lilac to deep violet. The stone is traditionally linked to peace, protection, and spirituality and is often the first crystal people get.
If you do not own an amethyst yet, read on why you might want to bring one into your life.
Table of contents
What is amethyst?
Amethyst is the name for the purple-colored quartz. In ancient times, it was one of the most prized gemstones, up there with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. After the discovery of large deposits in Brazil in the early 19th century, amethyst became more common and affordable.
Today, it is one of the most popular crystals, with large crystal clusters and geodes protecting and cleansing many houses. It is also a popular and affordable gemstone, featured in many stunning jewelry pieces for both casual wear and special occasions.
Amethyst mythology
According to Greek legend, Dionysus, the god of fertility and wine, tried to court a beautiful nymph named Amethyste. Amethyste refused him, and in a drunken rage, Dionysus wanted to kill her.
To protect the girl, the goddess Artemis transformed her into clear quartz stone. When Dionysus saw the stone, the god sobered and regretted his behavior. In his remorse, he poured the rest of the wine from his glass onto the white crystal, turning Amethyste into the lovely purple stone we know today.
Now, the myth of Amethyste might not actually be from old Greece but rather a later text from Renaissance France – but do not let that spoil the good story.
Amethyst significance throughout history
Amethyst has been a loved and prized stone for centuries.
Ancient Egyptians used amethyst in jewelry and carved it into amulets and talismans for protection and good fortune. The oldest found amethyst jewelry dates back to 2000 BC. Some fine Egyptian amethyst scarab amulets are on display in the Met Museum in New York.
Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the amethyst stone could protect them from getting drunk on wine. They crafted amethyst goblets or put small crystal pieces under their tongue or as decorations on the cups to prevent the effects of alcohol.
They also gave the crystal its name – the Greek words “a methystos” mean “not drunk”.
In medieval Europe, soldiers wore amethyst amulets, believing they would protect them, heal their wounds, and keep them calm in battle.
During the Middle Ages, amethyst was a rare and valuable gem used for royalty jewels and to decorate royal regalia. Some of the most well-known pieces preserved until today are:
- The “Kent Amethysts “, one of the oldest sets of British royal jewelry dating back to the early 19th century, consisting of a necklace, hair combs, earrings, and brooches
- The “Napoleonic Amethyst Parure Tiara “, jewelry from the time of Napoleon Bonaparte (late 18th- early 19th century), owned by the Swedish royal family
Bottom: Members of the Swedish royal family wearing the Napoleonic amethyst parure tiara: from left Queen Sylvia, Crown Princess Victoria, and Princess Madeleine
Image credit: deGraysCollection on Etsy
Feel like a queen with a detailed royal tiara replica.
Amethyst has even ties with religion! Catholic bishops often wore amethyst rings, believing it would protect them from mystical intoxication. Saint Valentine is said to have worn an amethyst ring engraved with the image of Cupid. In Christian symbolism, amethyst was associated with Christ, its purple color reminiscent of his crucifixion wounds.
Needless to say, the amethyst is steeped in tradition and history.
Giant amethyst geodes
Amethyst can also be found in some truly breathtaking natural formations, crystalizing in volcanic bubbles into some spectacular geode formations. If you are up for a trip to Australia, you can experience two of the world’s most extraordinary amethyst geodes in Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens near Byron Bay, NSW.
The Guardians are the tallest geodes on Earth, standing at an impressive 5.5 meters, covered in stunning amethyst and smoky quartz. Nearby, the Enchanted Cave offers a rare opportunity to sit inside a massive 20,000 kg amethyst geode and be completely surrounded by sparkling purple crystals.
These awe-inspiring formations showcase the beauty and power of amethyst in its most magnificent form. Hey, they’re not even behind a bulletproof glass – you can touch and sit in them!
These natural giants are pure magic—check out the video below to see them up close!
Amethyst meaning
Amethyst is a stunning purple gemstone linked to calmness, clarity, and spiritual growth.
The name of the crystal comes from the Greek words “a methystos”, meaning “not drunk”.
Metaphysical meaning of amethyst
Amethyst is considered by many to be a stone of transcendental nature, connecting to the metaphysical world.
A pyramid is a powerful home decor piece to focus amethyst’s energy where needed.
It is a stone of healing change that impacts many facets of your conscious and subconscious being. As a stone of clarity, it helps you see beyond the emotions that cloud your mind, giving you a greater understanding of your feelings. As a result, you can learn to navigate and control your emotions.
Amethyst spiritual meaning
Purple quartz carries deep spiritual power. It connects to serenity, wisdom, and inner peace, strengthening intuition and encouraging spiritual growth.
Many say that amethyst can echo your spirit into the ether. It’s thought to open your mind to protection from the universe, offering spiritual safety. This stone connects with angelic guidance and help on a spiritual awakening path.
What chakra is amethyst related to?
Crown Chakra
Amethyst connects to the crown chakra, your energy center for wisdom and pure consciousness. This is the seventh chakra, located at the top of your head.
Amethyst’s purple color mirrors the essence of this chakra, opening you up to higher awareness.
Third Eye Chakra
This crystal also ties to the third eye chakra, which controls intuition and inner vision. Positioned between your eyebrows, this sixth chakra helps you see beyond physical limitations.
Using amethyst in meditation or crystal therapy can help balance these chakras, enhancing clarity and spiritual insight. It promotes calmness while deepening your connection with inner wisdom.
Amethyst stone benefits
Amethyst is a powerful stone with many benefits. It is like a shield for your energy, keeping negativity at bay. It also helps bring calm and ease into your daily life.
Healing powers of amethyst
Amethyst, with its lovely color, helps calm the mind and reduce stress. When using this crystal, you might notice fewer headaches or migraines caused by stress.
It’s also said to balance emotions during tough times. Some believe it can boost your immune system and assist in natural detox processes.
Its calming energy can also improve cell regeneration while you sleep, balance hormones, and promote deeper relaxation at night.
Let amethyst be your anchor in the storm of life.
Amethyst for sleep
Many crystal healers use amethyst as a natural sleep remedy and insomnia relief. Its soothing energy supports restful nights, lowers stress, and calms the mind before bed.
As you prepare to sleep, spend a few minutes calming down, focusing on the beauty of your amethyst crystal. You can place a small amethyst piece under your pillow or a larger cluster at your bedside table to guard your sleep.
Rub it for anxiety relief or place it under your pillow as a natural sleep remedy.
Amethyst will help you drift off easier and rest longer. Use this healing stone nightly for peaceful rest and sweet dreams!
Amethyst for protection
Amethyst is also a stone of protection. It shields you from negative energy, acting like a protective bubble, keeping harmful vibes at bay.
Its calming nature eases tensions and blocks toxic influences around you.
Crystal healers also trust it for psychic protection and energy cleansing, creating a peaceful and protective aura in any space.
Amethyst properties
| Chemical formula: | SiO2 |
| Crystal System: | Trigonal |
| Mohs hardness: | 7 |
| Locations: | Worldwide, with the largest mines in Brazil and Uruguay |
Amethyst chemical formula
Chemically, amethyst is silicon dioxide with the chemical formula SiO2. Amethyst is a variety of quartz with the same basic chemical composition as the rest of the quartz family.
Its violet color comes from iron (Fe) impurities in the crystal lattice exposed to natural radiation. Note that the color-causing impurities do not change the basic chemical formula of the quartz mineral.
Amethyst hardness
On the Mohs scale, amethyst has a hardness of 7, the same as other quartz minerals. That makes it a fairly durable gemstone, resistant to scratching by many common materials, and suitable for use in jewelry that may experience regular wear.
Amethyst crystal structure
Amethyst crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system. The characteristic hexagonal shape is visible in well-formed crystals and in the attractive crystal patterns inside amethyst geodes.
Amethyst colors
Amethyst is the name for the purple-colored quartz. It naturally occurs in a range of purple hues, from light lavender to deep, intense royal purple. The specific color variations include:
- Light Lavender/Pale Violet: A delicate, soft purple with pinkish undertones, also known as “Rose de France”
- Deep Purple: A rich, intense royal purple color that is highly prized
- Reddish Purple: A deep purple with subtle red secondary hues
- Bluish Purple: A purple with blue secondary tones
- Deep Siberian: The most prized amethyst color is known as “Deep Siberian”, with primary deep purple and secondary blue and red hues.
The purple color in amethyst is caused by trace amounts of iron exposed to natural gamma ray radiation in the quartz crystal structure. The amount of iron and the radiation exposure determines the intensity and specific shade of purple.
Heat treatments can also change the shade of violet, creating bolder, darker tones.
Alternative “amethyst” colors
When amethyst is heated to between 470°C and 750°C, it can change into several different colors and quartz species:
- Yellow: When heated amethyst turns golden yellow, it becomes citrine.
- Green: Heat-treated amethyst that has turned light green becomes prasiolite (green amethyst).
- Yellow-Purple: A unique combination of yellow and purple colors in quartz stone is called ametrine.
All of the above color variations can occur naturally but are fairly rare.
Also, strictly speaking, amethyst is defined by its purple color – it is the name for the purple quartz variety. When the stone changes to yellow, green, or other color through heat treatment, it is no longer considered an amethyst but becomes a different variety of quartz – named by its color.
How to enjoy and use amethyst
If you like amethyst crystals and would like to bring their power into your daily life, there are many ways to use and enjoy amethysts.
Tumbled amethyst stones
Tumbled stones fit easily in your palm. Their smooth, shiny surface feels calming to the touch.
Small amethyst tumbled stones are great for holding during meditation or for use on healing grids during crystal therapy.
Natural amethyst crystal from Brazil for Reiki, and energy crystal healing.
Amethyst worry stones
Worry stones are larger polished stones, usually with a slight thumb-sized dip in the center. Rubbing on the worry stone can help ease stress or boost mindfulness. Carry one in your pocket for quick relief during tense moments.
Rub it for anxiety relief or place it under your pillow as a natural sleep remedy.
Amethyst jewelry
Amethyst is hard and durable enough to be faceted and polished into stunning jewelry pieces. Wearing amethyst jewelry on your body is an easy way to add the crystal’s healing, protective, and spiritual powers to your daily life.
Amethyst crystals for home
Place amethyst crystals in your home to bring peace and clarity. Set them in living spaces to ease anxiety and tension. Their calming energy helps balance emotions and clears negative vibes.
Keep one near your bed for restful sleep or spiritual growth. These crystals support intuition, making decision-making easier around the house. They create positive energy, helping you feel more centered at home every day.
Amethyst geodes
Amethyst geodes are natural rock formations with hollow cavities lined with sparkling amethyst crystals. They come in many sizes and shapes, from small hand-held pieces to large decorative minerals.
Great for home Decor and for chakra healing.
Amethyst geodes make stunning home decor pieces. They serve as energy centers, spreading spiritual energy throughout your space. Many healers place them around the room to amplify healing properties or to create calm vibes.
Their beauty matches their power, making them perfect personal sanctuaries!
Amethyst tree
An amethyst tree is a decorative piece made with tiny polished crystals wired together to form branches. It is another decorative and beautiful object that brings good energy, peace, and balance into your space. It’s not just pretty, it can protect you from negative energy too!
Tree on Amethyst cluster geode druzy base for home and office decoration.
Meditating with amethyst
During meditation, you can place a small piece of amethyst on the top of your head onto the crown chakra. Its calming energy can absorb fears, clear mental clutter, and bring peace and focus to your meditation.
(Even if you do not believe any of that, in which case you probably would not be reading this article, just balancing the stone on your head is fun and requires focus – that is a form of meditation on its own.)
Natural amethyst crystal from Brazil for Reiki, and energy crystal healing.
You can also hold a larger crystal in your hand or keep it nearby while you meditate – great for personal growth, stress reduction, calming your mind, and deepening mindfulness practice.
How to clean amethyst
You might need to clean your amethyst here and then to keep your crystals clear and their energy flowing strong. Particularly, crystal clusters and geodes used as decorative pieces around the house tend to collect a fair amount of dust.
Here are a few simple steps to keep your amethyst clusters shining:
- For basic cleaning, use lukewarm water. If the stone has collected hard-to-remove grime, soak it for a few minutes. To remove any grease or finger oils, you can add some mild soap to the water.
- Scrub lightly with a soft toothbrush or cloth to clean crevices or details on the stone.
- Rinse under lukewarm water after washing. Make sure no soap residue stays behind.
- Pat dry with a soft, clean towel instead of letting it air dry.
- Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive materials like chemicals or scrubbing pads. These can scratch or fade your amethyst.
- Do not expose your amethyst to extreme heat when cleaning; this may weaken the crystal structure and crack the stone.
- Clean your crystals regularly to maintain their shine, beauty and healing properties.
- Be careful and handle gently during cleaning – you do not want to drop or hit and break your crystal.
Choose the style and size of your bottle and infuse your water with crystal energy.
How to charge amethyst
Charging your amethyst restores its energy. It helps the crystal work at its best and keeps it strong.
- Place it under moonlight overnight. The full moon night (or the two nights on either side) works the best, as it offers the strongest cleansing energy.
- Sit it next to cleansing crystals like selenite. These naturally cleanse and recharge other stones.
- Smudge with sage or incense sticks. The smoke removes any leftover negative energy clinging to your stone.
- Hold it during meditation while setting intentions. Your focused energy will recharge and align with the crystal’s own vibrations.
- Cleanse using sound vibrations, like singing bowls or tuning forks, which balance and recharge energies effectively.
Amethyst Birthstone
Amethyst is also the official and traditional birthstone for February. The lovely gemstone comes in a variety of violet and purple hues. It is hard enough to be polished into an endless range of stunning jewelry pieces fit for those born in February.
Amethyst zodiac connection
Being a February birthstone, amethyst is primarily associated with two zodiac signs: Aquarius and Pisces.
Aquarius: For Aquarians (January 20 – February 18) with the drive to succeed and always chasing their aspirations, amethyst provides clarity to improve their intellectual processes. Amethyst can also balance their analytical thinking by promoting intuition and inspiring creativity.
Amethyst also provides a sense of calm and balance while working hard so Aquarians do not get overwhelmed by their own drive.
Pisces: For those born under Pisces (February 19 – March 20), amethyst provides grounding energy, helping to stabilize their often fluctuating emotions. It also offers spiritual and emotional protection for the intuitive and sensitive Pisces.
For those very empathetic born under the sign, with a penchant for putting others’ needs before theirs, amethyst reminds Pisces that their happiness and self-discovery are important, too.
Amethyst jewelry
Amethyst is a versatile gemstone, and with its dreamy purple hues, adds charm to any look. It is a durable gem perfect for everyday wear but also has a stunning look for special occasions.
Even more, amethyst jewelry helps you feel calm, tranquil, and balanced throughout the day.
Amethyst rings
Wearing an amethyst ring allows the gemstone’s soothing energies to flow through your hand, encouraging clarity and thoughtful decision-making.
Statement ring with an adjustable gold cigar-style ring band.
Amethyst engagement rings
Choosing an amethyst engagement ring is a unique way to celebrate love and commitment. This gemstone is linked to clarity, peace, and spiritual connection—qualities that create a strong foundation for a lifelong partnership.
Dainty twist branch design ring in Art Deco style.
Amethyst wedding rings
Amethyst wedding rings represent sincerity, loyalty, and emotional balance. Its soothing energy promotes understanding and harmony, making it a meaningful choice for couples or couples starting their new chapter together and looking for a lasting union.
An amethyst engagement or wedding ring is more than just a gorgeous accessory – it’s a reminder of the love, trust, and peaceful connection shared between two people.
Amethyst necklaces
An amethyst necklace keeps the stone close to your heart, promoting inner peace and emotional stability throughout the day.
Gold or Silver Plated
Handmade stainless steel necklace with a genuine Amethyst set in a free movement bail. Great for stacking or layering.
14k solid white gold pendant with pear-shaped Amethyst and sterling silver chain.
Amethyst bracelets
An amethyst bracelet serves as a constant companion. It helps you ward off negative energy, alleviates stress, fostering a serene mindset.
Hand carved rose flower sterling silver bracelet.
Electroplated 24k gold amethyst cluster and beads bracelet
Take amethyst with you everywhere with this bracelet. The beads are beautifully carved and polished.
Amethyst earrings
Amethyst earrings bring the stone’s calming influence near your mind. They can aid in mental clarity and enhance intuition.
Leverback 925 sterling silver earrings with three natural amethysts in Bo Ho style.
Minimalist dainty earrings, made with 925 sterling silver.
Hand-carved rose flower earrings. A matching necklace, hoop earrings and bracelet are available.
A pair of sterling silver earrings with genuine amethyst in wisteria flower/grapes fruit design with a hook.
Conclusion
Well, that is a very long article about a single stone. As you can tell, amethyst is much more than just a beautiful purple crystal. Its properties and spiritual energy have made it a cherished stone since ancient times.
Amethyst continues to be valued for its ability to bring peace, clarity, and protection. It supports emotional balance and spiritual growth. Whether you use it for meditation, to decorate and protect your home, or to wear it as jewelry, amethyst’s gentle energy will make your life better, brighter, and more enjoyable.
Being also affordable these days, it is no wonder that amethyst is one of the most popular crystals and gemstones. Often it is the first crystal many people own. If you haven’t yet added it to your collection, now is the perfect time to experience its timeless beauty and benefits for yourself.
FAQs
Where can amethyst be found in the world?
Most amethyst found in the world comes from Brazil. Brazil is mining over 90% of the world’s amethyst supply, with Zambia (estimated 20%) and Uruguay (10%) the next.
Other countries with notable amethyst deposits include Mexico, Russia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, India, and Germany. In US, amethyst can be found in Arizona, Georgia, Maine, North Carolina, and South Dakota.
Which month is the amethyst birthstone?
Amethyst is the official birthstone for February. The lovely gemstone comes in a variety of violet and purple hues. It is hard and durable enough to be polished into stunning jewelry pieces fit for those born in February.
What color is an amethyst birthstone?
An amethyst birthstone is purple-colored quartz. It naturally occurs in a range of purple hues, from light lavender to deep, intense royal purple.
How amethyst forms in nature?
Amethyst forms through a long and intricate geological process involving volcanic activity, hydrothermal fluids, and mineral deposition. It begins with magma-rich fluids creating cavities in cooling lava, typically in basalt rock. Over time, mineral-rich groundwater seeps into these cavities, depositing silica, which later crystallizes into quartz. Trace amounts of iron become incorporated into the structure, and natural radiation enhances the purple color.
