Amethyst Crystal Guide: History, Benefits, and Practical Uses

With striking purple and violet hues, amethyst crystal has long been adored for its beauty and mystical properties. The stone is known to promote peace, calmness, intuition, and creativity. Its unique coloration and intriguing qualities make amethyst one of the world’s most popular and fascinating gemstones.

Origins of the Amethyst Crystal

Amethyst is a variety of crystalline quartz and has been considered the most valuable quartz variety throughout history. Its purple color is derived from impurities in the crystal structure and can range from light purple to deep, royal purple. Brazil is considered one of the most significant producers of amethyst, but the gem can be found all over the world in places such as:

• India
• Bolivia
• United States
• Russia
• Zambia
• Canada
• Madagascar
• Mexico 

The History of the Amethyst Stone

The history of amethyst is as fascinating as the gemstone itself. Archeologists have found amethyst jewelry in Egypt that dates back to 3,000 BC. The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “not intoxicated.” This reflects the ancient Greek and Roman belief that the stone could protect its owner from becoming too drunk.

Other ancient civilizations began using the amethyst stone to maintain mental clarity while harnessing the deep healing powers it radiated. Egyptians believed it could protect the wearer from harm and used it in jewelry and amulets. In Medieval Europe, amethyst crystal was a sign of royalty, power, and piety and remains the stone of choice for many clergy members today.

Amethyst: The February Birthstone

Amethyst is the birthstone for February and is closely connected to the Pisces zodiac sign. Pisces individuals are known to be kind, compassionate, sensitive, and sympathetic, so the calming and protective qualities of the amethyst stone can be particularly beneficial for this sign to enhance their spiritual connection, intuition, and overall well-being. Amethyst can be a unique jewelry gift for anyone with a February birthday or Pisces in their astrology chart.

5 Healing Benefits of Amethyst

Beyond its historical and aesthetic appeal, the amethyst gem is renowned for its variety of healing properties. Many believe that this healing stone can promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are some of the many attributes associated with the gem: 

1. Stress Relief and Relaxation

Amethyst stone is most widely used to alleviate stress and anxiety. Its calming energy is said to soothe the mind, reduce mental clutter, and ward off negative emotions such as fear and frustration by replacing them with positive feelings and an overall sense of serenity. 

2. Enhancing Intuition and Growth

Amethyst is considered a powerful stone for enhancing intuition and aiding in spiritual growth. It is one of the best healing crystals for the third eye and throat chakras, as it opens these areas and creates a deeper connection to the spiritual realm and one's intuition. 

3. Increased Focus and Decision-Making Abilities

The amethyst stone increases focus by clearing the mind, sharpening decision-making abilities, and improving cognitive skills such as memory, logic and reasoning, and attention span. It allows users to tap into creativity and intellect while shifting away from negative thought patterns. When difficult situations arise, this enhanced mental focus will allow you to feel better prepared to make informed decisions based on facts instead of feelings. 

4. Physical Healing Properties

Many believe that amethyst crystal has physical healing properties and can aid in supporting the immune system, reducing pain, improving sleep quality, and even reducing inflammation and increasing collagen when incorporated into a skincare routine. However, the use of amethyst should not be substituted for medical treatment. 

5. Protection and Purification

Historically, amethyst gemstones have been used for protection, and today they are still believed to guard against negative energies. The stone is said to create a protective bubble around the user to ward off any unwanted feelings or energies from other people. It will purify your aura and cleanse the body of any outside negative influences. 

How to Use the Amethyst Crystal in Everyday Life

With its wide range of uses and stunning purple aesthetic, the amethyst crystal remains highly coveted in modern times. It is widely utilized in jewelry, home décor, and spiritual practices, to name a few.

Amethyst in Jewelry and Accessories

Amethyst stone is a popular choice for all types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings like our Amethyst Drop Earrings. Its rich purple color and relative affordability make it an excellent choice for many people.

Beyond jewelry, amethyst gems can also be used for other accessories including:

• Hair pins
• Brooches
• Barrettes
• Cuff Links 

Home Decor Ideas for Amethyst

Amethyst crystal can be used in the home to not only provide beautiful home décor but also to bring positive energy into a space and unblock chakras. The stone is often showcased in the form of large geodes or polished and cut clusters and placed around homes or offices to elevate the space and provide tranquility.  

Spiritual Practices with Amethyst Stone

As with other healing stones like selenite or jasper, amethyst can be used during your meditation practice by holding it in your hand or placing the stone on the chakra you are trying to open. It can also be incorporated into your yoga practice by leaving the stone near your mat to promote a calm and focused mind as you go through your flow. 

Caring for Your Amethyst Crystal

Proper crystal care and maintenance are essential to keep the beauty and integrity of an amethyst stone in tact for years to come. You should clean it often with mild soap and warm water and avoid prolonged sun exposure, as this can cause the color to fade. Although it’s a relatively hard gem, amethyst can still be scratched, so it should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent damage.

The Value and Price of Amethyst Stones

The price of amethyst ranges from $20-$50 per carat depending on a variety of factors such as:

• Color Intensity: Darker shades of purple tend to be more valuable and, therefore, more expensive. You can expect to pay three to five times more for a dark purple stone than a lighter option.
• Uniformity of Color: The most ideal amethyst crystal will have uniform coloring throughout versus areas that are lighter and darker.
• Clarity: When inspecting amethyst gems, jewelers look for something that is called “eye clean” meaning the naked eye cannot see any significant flaws in the stone. The more “eye clean” the gemstone is deemed, the more expensive it will be.
• Size: Of course, larger amethyst stones will be more expensive than smaller stones. 

It’s important to understand the factors that determine the value and price of amethyst so you can make well-versed decisions about this beautiful and illuminating gemstone. With this amethyst information, you’ll be able to select your perfect stone and start enjoying the benefits of this valuable crystal.