Amethyst History | February Birthstone

The Ancient Origins of Amethyst

Amethyst, with its captivating purple hue, has been treasured by civilizations across the globe for thousands of years. The name "amethyst" derives from the ancient Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not intoxicated" or "not drunken." This etymology reflects one of the earliest beliefs about the stone—that it could protect its wearer from drunkenness and instill a sober mind.

Ancient civilizations prized amethyst not only for its beauty but also for its perceived mystical and protective properties. In ancient Egypt, amethyst was associated with the zodiac sign of the goat and was used in amulets for protection against harm and witchcraft. Egyptian nobility often wore amethyst scarabs carved from the purple stone, believing they provided protection in the afterlife.

The ancient Greeks and Romans had a rich mythology surrounding amethyst. According to Greek legend, Dionysus, the god of wine, was angered by an insult and swore to unleash his tigers upon the next mortal he encountered. This unfortunate person was a maiden named Amethyst, who was on her way to worship at the shrine of Artemis. As the tigers pounced, Artemis transformed Amethyst into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her. Remorseful, Dionysus wept tears of wine over the statue, staining the crystal purple and thus creating the gemstone we know today.

Amethyst Through the Medieval Period

During the Medieval period, amethyst continued to be highly valued across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In medieval Europe, amethyst was considered one of the Cardinal gems—stones of absolute highest value, alongside diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald. Its purple color, reminiscent of royalty and ecclesiastical dignity, made it a favorite among both nobility and clergy.

The Catholic Church embraced amethyst as a symbol of piety and celibacy. Bishops often wore amethyst rings, the purple color symbolizing their devotion to Christ and the Church. The stone was believed to encourage celibacy and was considered symbolic of Christ's sacrifice—its wine-like color reminiscent of his blood. Medieval soldiers and knights sometimes wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle, believing the stone would keep them cool-headed and sharp-witted during combat.

In medieval lapidaries (texts about gemstones), amethyst was attributed numerous magical and medicinal properties. It was believed to prevent intoxication, sharpen intelligence, protect against sorcery, and bring victory in battle. Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century German abbess and mystic, recommended placing an amethyst in water and then applying the water to the face to enhance beauty and remove wrinkles.

Amethyst Across Cultures and Continents

Throughout history, amethyst has been valued by diverse cultures around the world, each attributing their own significance to this regal purple gemstone:

Asian Traditions

In ancient China, amethyst was used in carvings and ornamental objects for the wealthy and powerful. Chinese feng shui traditions consider amethyst a powerful tool for purifying energy and creating a peaceful environment. In Tibet, amethyst is considered sacred to Buddha and is often used in prayer beads (malas) for spiritual practices.

European Royalty

Throughout European history, amethyst has adorned the crowns and jewelry of royalty. The deep purple color was associated with power and authority, and for centuries, only royalty was permitted to wear the color purple. The British Crown Jewels contain numerous amethysts, including the Kent Amethysts, a collection of magnificent amethyst jewelry that belonged to Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent.

Russian Heritage

Russia has a particularly rich history with amethyst due to significant deposits discovered in the Ural Mountains in the 18th century. Catherine the Great was especially fond of amethyst and commissioned numerous pieces of jewelry and decorative objects featuring the stone. Russian Orthodox Church leaders also favored amethyst for their ceremonial regalia, reinforcing its association with spiritual authority.

New World Discoveries

When European explorers reached the Americas, they discovered that indigenous cultures also valued amethyst. In pre-Columbian South America, amethyst was carved into amulets and used in burial rituals. The discovery of large amethyst deposits in Brazil in the 19th century dramatically changed the gemstone market, making amethyst more accessible worldwide and leading to its use in a wider range of jewelry and decorative objects.

Historical Amethyst Varieties and Famous Specimens

Siberian Amethyst

Historically, the most prized amethyst came from Siberia, known for its deep purple color with flashes of red and blue. These "Siberian" amethysts were highly sought after by European royalty and nobility. Today, the term "Siberian" is used to describe the finest quality amethyst regardless of origin, characterized by a rich purple color with 75-80% tone and strong red and blue flashes.

The Delhi Purple Sapphire

Despite its name, the infamous Delhi Purple Sapphire is actually an amethyst with a notorious reputation. Allegedly stolen from the Temple of Indra in India during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, this stone was believed to bring misfortune to anyone who possessed it. Its owner, Edward Heron-Allen, eventually donated it to the Natural History Museum in London with a warning note about its "curse."

The Morris Amethyst Brooch

This historic piece, now in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, was designed by William Morris, a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century. The brooch features a large central amethyst surrounded by pearls and demonstrates the movement's emphasis on handcraftsmanship and natural beauty.

Brazilian Geodes

The discovery of massive amethyst geodes in Brazil in the 19th century revolutionized the amethyst market. Some of these geodes stand over 10 feet tall and contain crystals of exceptional quality. The "Empress of Uruguay," one of the largest amethyst geodes in the world, weighs approximately 2.5 tons and stands 11 feet tall. It is currently on display at the Crystal Caves museum in Australia.

Amethyst in Modern Times

The 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries have seen significant developments in our understanding and appreciation of amethyst:

From Precious to Semi-Precious

Until the 18th century, amethyst was classified among the most precious gemstones alongside diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. The discovery of vast deposits in Brazil in the 19th century increased its availability, leading to its reclassification as a semi-precious stone.
Despite this change in classification, amethyst remained popular in fine jewelry throughout the Victorian era (1837-1901). Queen Victoria's fondness for amethyst helped maintain its status as a fashionable gemstone.
The Art Deco period (1920s-1930s) saw amethyst used in bold, geometric designs, often paired with diamonds and other colored gemstones in contrasting settings.

Scientific Understanding and New Discoveries

Modern gemology has revealed that amethyst's purple color comes from iron impurities and exposure to natural radiation within the earth.
The discovery that heat treatment can transform amethyst into citrine (yellow) or prasiolite (green) has expanded the quartz color palette available to jewelers and collectors.
New amethyst deposits have been discovered in Zambia, Uruguay, and Arizona, each with distinctive characteristics that expand the range of colors and qualities available.

Contemporary Significance

Amethyst is now firmly established as the birthstone for February, bringing its rich history into contemporary personal adornment.
In modern crystal healing practices, amethyst is associated with clarity of thought, stress relief, and spiritual awareness. It is one of the most popular crystals for meditation and energy work.
Contemporary jewelry designers appreciate amethyst for its rich color, durability, and relative affordability, creating innovative designs that range from everyday wear to high-end statement pieces.
The Pantone Color Institute has named various shades of purple as "Color of the Year" several times in recent decades, boosting amethyst's popularity in fashion and design.

Explore Other Birthstone Histories

January: Garnet History

November: Topaz History

Back to February Birthstone

The Rich History of Amethyst