1. Amethyst is the birthstone for February, as well as the gem for the 6th and 17th anniversaries.
2.It is a variety of quartz. Its purple color comes from impurities in the crystal structure.
3. Amethyst ranks as a 7 on Mohs Scale.
4. Its color can range from light purple to a deep, royal purple.
5. Amethyst has calming metaphysical properties related to peacefulness and restful sleep.
6. It's also famed for carrying the metaphysical properties of healing, protection and abundance.
7. In Feng Shui, amethyst is used to amplify the flow of prosperity into the home, when placed in the wealth corner. Also, since amethyst is helpful in purifying the mind and clearing it of negative thoughts, many people meditate with it.
8. It's no wonder that while this calming stone reduces stress and anxiety as well as anger and impatience, it increases common sense to the wearer.
9. Amethysts are especially useful with work-related stresses. It helps with intuition and communication, resulting in increased work effectiveness - and since the stone is also associated with abundance, it's the ideal gem to wear to work for increased success!
10. Citrine was once Amethyst and vice versa. The only difference between the two stones is the impurities that create color in the stone.When heat-treated, amethyst becomes citrine (November’s birthstone). The majority of citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst!
11. When the purple amethyst stone is heated, its color changes to green. Green amethyst, popularly known as Prasiolite, carries the same energies as the purple variety, plus some additional traits. It increases your sense of compassion, and can help with challenging relationships by bringing a sense of calm to those involved.
12. In 1993, a cave in Maine was discovered that contained over a ton of amethyst!
13. An amethyst ring carved with Cupid’s image is said to have been worn by St. Valentine.
14. The largest amethyst geode ever found, the “Empress of Uruguay,” is 11 feet tall and weighs about as much as a car
15. Ancient Greeks and Romans placed a high value in this stone, and used amethyst in jewelry and amulets. They believed that the amethyst was synonymous with luxury, so it was used in their crowns, scepters and rings.
16. Its name is derived from the ancient Greek word “amethystos,” which means “not intoxicated.” Greek legends suggested that amethyst promoted clear-headedness and prevented its wearer from becoming drunk.
So for your next girls night out, if you're planning on drinking more than usual, wear your amethyst jewelry if you don't want to feel hung over the next day!
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