Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that have a six sided pyramid at either end or can form as druzes that are crystalline crusts that only show the pointed terminations. As a mineral specimen, amethyst is popular for its color and nice crystal shapes that produce a handsome, purple, sparkling cluster.
However, amethyst is not the same everywhere. Different localities can produce a unique amethyst to that particular region or even to that particular mine. Experts can often identify the source mine that a particular amethyst came from. The key to this is the specimen's color, shape of crystal, inclusions, associations and character of formation.
Amethysts are the birthstone for those born in February
Those born in the month of February have the royal privilege of having the amethyst as their birthstone. The color varies from pale mauve through to a deep purple, with the deeper and richer colors being the most valuable. It is a translucent gemstone with is fairly durable and has good wear ability factors.
The word amethyst comes from the Greek word "a-methystos", which means not drunk. It is thought to have a base in Greek Mythology with the goddess Diana turning a young maiden into a quartz statue to save her from Tigers. The god Dionysus wept purple tears, upon seeing this, which formed the now famous stone.
Garnets mines are found world wide with the most notable mines being in Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka, United States (Arizona), Uruguay and Zambia.
info credit:
http://www.galleries.com/minerals/gemstone/amethyst/amethyst.htm
http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/birthstones.htm
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Amethyst - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. The name comes from the Ancient Greek ἀ a- ("not") and μέθυστος methustos ("intoxicated"), ...
Chemistry - Composition - Hue and tone - History
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amethyst
Amethyst - english
The amethyst is extravagance in violet. For many thousands of years, the most striking representative of the quartz family has been a jewel coveted by ...
http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/amethyst.html
AMETHYST a gemstone variety of quartz
Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that have a six sided pyramid at either end or can form as druzes that are crystalline crusts that only show ...
http://www.galleries.com/minerals/gemstone/amethyst/amethyst.htm
Amethyst, What is Amethyst? About its Science, Chemistry and Structure
Find out about the science and chemistry of Amethyst (), see colourful images of Amethyst and explore interactive 3D molecules of Amethyst.
http://www.3dchem.com/molecules.asp?ID=184
Amethyst Jewelry and Crystals
Amethyst jewelry, facts, and lore. Nice facts, care tips and jokes to add to your gifts.
http://www.jewelrymall.com/stones/amethyst.html
