Amethyst - purple Gemstone

Being mauve, Amethyst is one of my favourite gemstone. (Of course I love Royal Amethyst – but as this is actually a shade of Sapphire – we will deal with this later.) Amethyst is the purple form of quartz. Therefore it has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale – according to some experts & 7 according to others. (Diamonds are 10.) Amethyst stones can range from pale lilac to deep purple. Quality Amethyst stones are considered transparent & have a fairly even colour. It is a popular choice for jewellery because of its beautiful colour, (apparently many people have similar taste to me!) affordability and versatility.

Amethyst can be found in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bolivia, Namibia, Uruguay, and Zambia. Amethyst from in South America usually is larger than the African stones, but Amethyst from Africa usually has better, richer colour, The very dark, small stones are from Australia. Amethyst is not usually coloured treated, but some of the darker stones can be enhanced. I have read mixed reports as to whether these stones need any special care – so do your own research!

Amethyst is the associated with the month of February and recommended for the 4th and 6th wedding anniversaries. It is also recommended for calmness & ending hostility. Why this is the case I don’t know. Personally while being a Amethyst Lover, I would associated a more pastel coloured gem with ‘calmness’; I think of deep colour Amethyst with richness. Obviously history agrees with me because as everyone knows purple has always been associated with royalty. (I'm unsure how much amethyst Queen Elizabeth owns. One of my favourites of her jewellery set is Royal Amethyst, which is as noted before actually sapphire. Who are you leaving it to Your Majesty?) Personally I prefer Amethyst in yellow gold – but the deep shades look lovely in silver or white gold. You do not need diamond to enjoy Amethyst – but a little goes a long way in enhancing a ring or pendant. And if you can afford more diamond – why not. To view a selection of colourful amethyst in white, yellow gold as well as sterling silver please check out the lists at http://www.thegemlovers.com/Gemstone_Jewellery.php