The Meaning of Amethyst
What is amethyst?
Amethyst is a member of the quartz family. It is most famous for its brilliant shades of purple. The purple coloring can range from a light shade of lilac to a deep plum color. Amethyst stones usually consist of various zones of color intensity. These are due to the unique angles of their cut. Therefore the meaning of amethyst can vary, however, generally this gem means calmness and stillness.
How is it formed?
Amethyst crystals forms in a two-step process:
- First, gas cavities form bubbles in volcanic lava. The cooling lava will harden completely before filling in around the outcrop, creating a cavity.
- Then, the cavities are filled with a silica-rich liquid that contains trace amounts of iron. This liquid will form crystals of amethyst over time resulting in amethyst geodes.
Meaning of Pink Amethyst
Pink amethyst is a soft-colored, feminine version of the more traditional dark purple amethyst. Although softer in color, the pink amethyst meaning is powerful. It has a cleansing energy and is known to instill feelings of understanding, calmness, trust and grace. It is known to have healing properties and protect against negative energy by opening the heart to love and tolerance.
Meaning of Green Amethyst/Prasiolite
Green amethyst, more commonly known as prasiolite, is an almost transparent shade of green.
The green amethyst meaning is one of inner vision, power, and self-love. It connects us to the element Earth and our hearts.
Meaning of Purple Amethyst
Spiritual
The spiritual meaning of purple amethyst is connected to the mind. It supports our thought processes and intuition. Purple amethyst is said to promote calm to the mind and clarity where there is confusion.
Lore
In the 1500’s, a poet named Remy Belleau crafted a myth in the form of a poem. In this Ancient Greeks themed myth, Bacchus, the Roman god of intoxication was chasing after a young woman named Amethyst. This young woman did not want Bacchus’s affections. Therefore, the goddess Diana was sent to save her by transforming her into a crystal stone.
Bacchus was humbled by Amethyst’s desire to stay chaste and poured wine over the stone in homage which created a deep purple crystal. Although this myth was created after the ancient times, there’s a past legend where the Greek titan Rhea presents Dionysus with amethyst to help preserve his sanity.
Emotional Meaning
Purple amethyst is said to provide emotional support in the form of confidence and calmness. This includes protection from the negativity of stress and anxiety. Many people use this stone for work-related stress and meditation. Ultimately, amethyst has healing properties.
Wellness Meaning
There are many amethyst meanings and uses, but one of the most well-known is the way it supports wellness. It is said to help promote strength and freedom from bad habits.
What does amethyst inspire for relationships?
Individuals born in the month of February have a purple amethyst birthstone assigned. According to legend, Saint Valentine wore an amethyst ring carved with Cupid’s likeness. Purple amethyst is the gem traditionally given for a six-year wedding anniversary. Some individuals choose to give their beloved an amethyst engagement ring to symbolize royalty and power.
Deep purple amethyst has been a symbol of royalty through the ages. The Duchess of Windsor wore a Cartier-designed amethyst bib necklace to a gala in Versailles in 1953. It was made of 28 step-cut amethysts, one oval faceted amethyst, and a large heart-shaped amethyst in front.
