The amethyst, February’s birthstone, has a truly eclectic mix of associations, ranging from the Church and inebriation to the Egyptian book of the Dead.  Although now considered a semi-precious stone, it was once extremely sought after - and until the 16th century, good amethysts were as expensive as diamonds. But after abundant deposits were discovered in Brazil in the 1860s, its value plummeted. 

Today, the beautiful but rather devalued amethyst is more often associated with 'New Agers', some of whom who believe that amethysts can magnify psychic abilities, absorb negative energies and be a calming influence in the rush of modern life.

It is first mentioned in the Egyptian Book of the Dead, where placing a heart shaped amethyst on the deceased symbolised their wisdom in life. For the living, Egyptians believed that if an amethyst were tied around the neck with peacock and swallow feathers it would protect the wearer from sorcery - and cure gout! They also appear to have started the association between amethysts and sobriety, because in Egyptian astrology amethysts represented the zodiac sign of the goat. The goat was considered the enemy of vines and vineyards - and therefore the enemy of wine. 

The belief that wearing amethysts had the power to prevent drunkenness was continued by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. In fact, amethyst comes from the Greek 'amethystos' meaning 'not drunk'. In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the God of wine, angry at being slighted by a mortal threatened to kill the next mortal he saw. This turned out to be the beautiful maiden, Amethyst.  So another god, Artemis, rather thoughtfully turned the poor maiden into a pillar of rock crystal in order to prevent a cruel death. In remorse, Dionysus wept over the crystal and his tears turned the crystal purple - and thus into an amethyst.

There are, of course, many variations on this myth. Much ‘male’ jewellery, such as seals and signet rings, were set with carved amethysts depicting grapes, or the head of Dionysus. Even goblets were carved out of large amethyst crystals - presumably hoping that the wine drunk from them would not have the usual effect.

Amethysts are also mentioned several times in the bible and were one of the stones on Aaron’s breast plate (Moses’ brother). These biblical references made them a significant stone for the Roman Catholic Church, who also associated the colour purple with the wine transfigured to Christ’s blood in the sacrament. With its religious connotations, the gem thus became linked to the piety of the priesthood and the higher positions. Today many bishops’ rings of office are still set with amethysts. This sacred connection meant that amethysts were also favoured by royalty and there are some fabulous stones in many crown jewels. 

In Medieval times, amethysts were worn not only as jewellery but had many talismanic properties. It was believed to protect the wearer from death, and so was a great favourite with soldiers who had the stone set in their armour. If the stone was engraved with the names of the sun and moon it apparently protected the wearer from witchcraft and poison echoing the Egyptian beliefs. And if worn on the left wrist the wearer was supposed to see the future in his dreams. 

Even Leonardo Da Vinci had a view about the gem’s power. He wrote that amethysts were able to ‘dissipate evil and quicken the intelligence’.

But back to the facts: the amethyst comes from the quartz family, the largest group of gem minerals, and is mined all over the world. Amongst this family are citrine, yellow quartz, rock crystal, clear quartz and rose quartz - with the pink hue. Amethysts range in colour from a deep purple to lilac, and the darker the hue the more valuable the stone. The darkest colour is known as Siberian amethyst as it was once mined there. 

Interestingly, although a relatively inexpensive stone, there are still imitations made. If you are buying loose stones lay them on a piece of white paper. Real amethysts will usually show variations in colour, and completely solid colours are  unusual.

It is seven on the scale of hardness, so many gems from diamonds, garnets, topaz, sapphires and rubies can scratch amethysts. Although quite a strong stone it does have one weakness in that it can lose its colour if heated. Even if positioned in a jeweller’s shop window near strong lights, the warmth has been known to lighten the stones. So take care you're wearing amethyst rings while you're cooking or sunbathing.

Image: Jonathan Zander