Amethyst - the birthstone for February with its characteristic color is immediately recognizable. The color purple has long been associated with royalty and nobility - accordingly, amethyst has been a stone of royalty for thousands of years. It is now an affordable and popular gemstone for everyone.

Amethyst is a macrocrystalline variety of the mineral Quartz. The purple color of amethyst is due to trace amounts of iron impurities at specific sites in the crystal structure of quartz. The difference between amethyst and citrine is due to the oxidation state of the iron impurities present in the quartz and is the reason why amethyst can be heated to form citrine.
Amethyst can occur as crystals that are six sided on either end and may form as "drusy" which are crystalline crusts covering the host rock. It is found inside geodes and in alluvial deposits all around the world - most commercial amethyst is mined in parts of South America and Africa although synthetic amethyst is also produced in large quantities.

Like all quartz, the hardness of amethyst on the Moh's scale of hardness is 7. Amethyst is suitable for most types of jewelry and has no special care requirements. The color of amethyst may range from deep purple, light lilac, lavender and mauve. Top quality amethyst is a deep medium purple with flashes of rose and is termed Siberian Amethyst for the original source of this type.

Amethyst has been used as gemstones and other ornamental objects for thousands of years - its use recorded as far back as the Minoan period in Greece (c 2500 B.C.). The name amethyst comes from the Greek word amethustos which means not drunken. Early Greeks believed that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent intoxication.

In ancient cultures, amethyst amulets were worn as antidotes against poison, to dispel sleep, as protection against harm in battle and to sharpen one's wits. In medieval times, amethyst was still credited with protecting one from the effects of drunkenness, both of the cup and also from the intoxicating effects of being in love. The wearing of amethyst was also thought to protect soldiers from harm and give them victory over their enemies, and assist hunters with the capture of wild animals.

Remember, the staff at UniQ is always happy to answer your gemstone and jewelry care questions; helping to educate you about gems in general and in the proper care for your jewelry investments are our pleasure. We specialize in jewelry repair and unique jewelry design & re-design to keep your individual jewelry investments a one of a kind that will become your family's heirlooms of the future. To see and learn more, visit UniQ @ 33 N. Main in downtown Three Rivers, go to www.uniqjewelry.com or call 278-UniQ (8647).