Amethyst is much more than just a pretty stone. It is a semiprecious gem that has been prized for millennia for both its beauty and metaphysical properties. Once recognized as a symbol of power and royalty, this rich purple crystal has been used in various ways since the dawn of humankind. Today, it is seen as a powerful protective stone, the birthstone for people who are born in February, and a stunning addition to any home or jewelry box.
For those who are interested in crystal healing, amethyst is an especially intriguing gemstone. It is believed to carry a wide range of healing properties and is said to treat everything from anxiety and insomnia to diseases of the digestive tract. It is widely regarded as one of the most protective stones in existence and is a remarkable tool for transforming negative energy into positive, loving energy.
Whether displayed in the home or office or worn as jewelry, amethyst is a fascinating and compelling crystal. Keep reading to learn more.
Amethyst History
The Amethyst gem is one of the oldest crystals used by mankind. Evidence suggests that it was used for personal adornment and decoration as far back as 25,000 BC. In fact, it has been discovered in archeological digs throughout Europe and alongside the remains of a man from the Neolithic period. This gemstone was also highly prized in ancient Mesopotamia where it was used to make cylinder seals which were engraved with the name of the owner and various religious designs.
The Egyptians began using amethyst around 4000 BC. They believed that the deep purple color represented royalty, and the stone quickly became a favorite among the pharaohs. The Egyptians also believed that gemstones carried metaphysical properties and that wearing amethyst would protect them against negativity in all forms.
The Amethyst rock was highly regarded by the Romans and Greeks, too, who believed that this crystal had the power to prevent drunkenness. As a result, it was often used to adorn drinking goblets. The stone was important to the Hebrews, as well. The high priest wore a breast place that was adorned with 12 stones to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. Amethyst served as the ninth stone.
During the Middle Ages, this purple crystal was also adopted by the Catholic church. It became a symbol of the high spiritual status of bishops, and amethyst rings became part of their attire. Even today, the highest quality amethyst is known as “Bishops Grade.” European soldiers also wore this gem into battle during this time period because it was believed to keep them safe from harm.
Brazilian amethyst – which is one of the present most popular varieties – first emerged on the market in 1727. Today, Uruguayan amethyst is another attractive and prevalent option.
Amethyst Physical Properties
While amethyst is widely renowned and used for its metaphysical properties, it is vital to understand its physical properties, too. A member of the quartz family of semiprecious stones, it has a trigonal crystal system. It ranges in color from a light violet to a deep, rich purple hue. Its coloration comes from impurities of aluminum or iron present in the quartz, irradiation, and in some instances, the presence of other transition metals or trace elements.
As a type of quartz, the amethyst rock is a relatively hard mineral that is suitable for jewelry and home décor. It has a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale and primarily consists of silicon dioxide.
Amethyst Metaphysical Properties
To this day, amethyst is still believed to be an extremely powerful stone for protection. It is said to have a high vibration and safeguard one against psychic attack. It transforms negative energy into love and positive energy and is renowned for its ability to help one reach higher states of consciousness and spiritual awareness.
Amethyst is believed to be extremely beneficial for the mind. It can help one become calmer or more stimulated as appropriate for the situation. Many people claim that when wearing or holding amethyst, they more focused and in control of their thoughts as well as their emotions. It can improve memory and motivation to make setting realistic goals easier.
For people who are struggling with anxiety and/or depression, amethyst can help. This stone’s calming energy dispels negative feelings, such as anger, fear, sadness, and worry, and is said to balance out emotional highs and lows. It can help one work through the grieving process, too, and make it easier to come to terms with a painful loss.
Sleeping with amethyst next to your bed or under your pillow can ward off insomnia and unpleasant dreams. Doing so can also bring intuitive dreams and facilitate out-of-body experiences. Because this stone is closely associated with the third eye chakra, it strengthens psychic gifts and enhances intuition.
Amethyst is an excellent stone for business people and diplomats. It calms anger and promotes level-headed thinking and clear communication. It also works well for dispelling work stress. This stone is closely associated with abundance, too, so it can help one gain the upper hand in business dealings and negotiations.
Amethyst Healing Properties
While crystal healing should not be used as a replacement for seeking medical attention when needed, many people believe that gemstones have powers that enable them to heal a wide range of ailments. Amethyst is believed to stimulate hormone production and enhance the performance of the endocrine system. It is also believed that this gemstone cleanses the blood and organs. It eases physical and emotional pain and can dispel tension and soothe headaches and migraines.
Amethyst is said to heal diseases and disorders affecting the lungs, respiratory tract, and digestive system. It is also said to improve skin conditions and cellular disorders. It helps connect and balance the physical, emotional, and mental bodies and links them to the spiritual realm. This beautiful stone cleanses the aura, too, and can be used to help stabilize certain psychiatric conditions. It should not, however, be used in cases involving schizophrenia or paranoia.
How to Use Amethyst
There are several ways in which you can use or work with amethyst. Since the dawn of time, though, one of the most popular methods is wearing it in the form of jewelry. When wearing crystal jewelry, the wearer receives the benefits of the stone regardless of where it is placed on the body. Amethyst is especially powerful, however, when worn over the heart or the throat.
This powerful stone is also highly beneficial when placed in your environment. In addition to adding remarkable beauty to your home or office, amethyst clusters, geodes, and points draw in positive energy and work to make your space more harmonious.
Amethyst is one of the best gemstones for meditation. Its color stimulates the third eye chakra, and placing a stone in this area triggers a calm, meditative state and guides the mind toward more profound awareness and understanding. Smaller amethyst crystals can be held in the left hand with the pointed end pointed toward the body while meditating to draw positive energy into the body. Larger clusters work well as concentration objects and when placed on medication altars.
When it comes to working with amethyst, however, it is always best to trust your intuition. This stone is known for its abilities to strengthen your intuition and help you connect with your higher spiritual self. Listen to the guidance you receive from it, and use it in the ways that feel best to you.
Conclusion
Few semiprecious gemstones have the beauty and power of amethyst. It has been used as a powerful protection talisman by various cultures since the dawn of mankind, and it still remains a popular stone among those who practice crystal healing. It is also a beautiful gemstone that is perfect for jewelry as well as home décor.
Whether you are looking to overcome anxiety, keep bad dreams at bay, protect yourself against negative energy, or simply beautify your home, amethyst may be the perfect gemstone to help you meet your goals. We carry high-quality amethyst specimens from Brazil and Uruguay, and we have stunning pieces that would look incredible in any home or office. Check out our selection of amethyst clusters and geodes to start shopping.
NOTE: All content on this website is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.