STONE
Amethyst
The purple gem variety of quartz; its colour involves iron-related centres and natural irradiation.
- Typical colour
- Purple to reddish purple
- Also known as
- Аметист
- Birthstone
- February A modern tradition, not a property of the stone. GIA
FOUND IN TAJIKISTAN
Amethyst veins of the Sel'bur deposit in the South Gissar have been studied in a Tajik National University dissertation.
Garibmakhmadova S.N. — Localization, metasomatism and chemistry of amethyst veins of the Sel'bur deposit (South Gissar), dissertationWHAT IT IS MADE OF
Mineral science
Physical and optical properties belong to the mineral species; see the mineral page for the full sourced profile.
History and names
Its name comes from the ancient Greek amethystos, "not drunk": amethyst was traditionally believed to prevent drunkenness and keep its wearer clear-headed. It was as costly as ruby and emerald until large deposits were found in Brazil in the 19th century. Amethyst adorns bishops' regalia and the coronation regalia of British royalty.
COLLECTION
Study views
SOURCE
GIA Gem Encyclopedia — Amethyst