Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewellery. The name comes from the Ancient Greek a- ("not") and methustos ("introxicated"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkeness. The Greeks believed that if an Amethyst was placed under the tongue while drinking it would prevent intoxication. For many years the amethyst has been a symbol of peace and tranquility.
Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkeness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it. In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of intoxication, and wine, was pursuing a maiden named Amethystos, who refused his affections. Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, which the goddess Artemis granted and transformed her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos's desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple.
Variations of the story include that Dionysus had been insulted by a mortal and swore to slay the next mortal who crossed his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wrath. The mortal turned out to be a beautiful young woman, Amethystos, who was on her way to pray tribute to Artemis (the hunter goddess). Her life is spared by Artemis, who transformed the maiden into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears then stained the quartz purple. Another variation involves goddess Rhea presenting Dionysus with the amethyst stone to preserve the wine-drinker's sanity.
Up to the 18th century amethyst was included in the cardinal, or most valuable, gemstones (along with diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald). However since the discovery of extensive deposits in locations such as Brazil it has lost most of its value.
Collectors look for depth of colour, possibly with red flashes if cut conventionally. The highest grade amethyst (called "Deep Russian") is expectionally rare and therefore its value is dependent on the demand of collectors when one is found. It is however still orders of magnitude lower than the highest grade sapphires or rubies (Padparadscha sapphire or "pigeon's blood" ruby).
It is also said to be the stone of Saint Valentine, who wore an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid. Saint Valentine's Day is still observed in February.
Poem:
The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.