Amethyst (SiO2) is the purple or violet variety of the mineral quartz. Its color comes from trace amounts of iron within the crystals. Major sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Siberia, and North America. The ancient Egyptians valued amethyst and used it in much of their jewelry.


The ancient Greeks believed amethyst was created by Dionysus, god of fruitfulness and wine. Angered by a young woman named Amethyst who preferred to pay homage to the goddess Diana, he ordered two tigers to devour her. Diana rescued her by transforming her into white quartz. Overcome with remorse, Dionysus shed tears into his goblet of wine, causing some to spill onto the white stone. It absorbed the color of the wine, creating the stone amethyst.Amethyst derives its name from the Greek amethustos, meaning "not drunk," as it was believed to guard against drunkenness.


Amethyst is the traditional birthstone of February.


Metaphysically Known For: Protection, purification, divine connection, release of addictions.