Amethyst is the world’s most popular purple gemstone. It is also the birthstone of February, and an important New Age gem. This gem is durable enough for use in rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and other types of jewelry. It has a hardness scale of seven on the MOHS hardness scale and does not break easily. Amethyst is found in quartz, which is also a seven on the hardness scale. See the hardness scale here. A harder gemstone is more durable and can be worn every day.
The Most Popular Purple Gemstone
Most people can easily afford the amethyst because they are largely mined from South America and Africa and are quite plentiful. There is one mine currently in operation in America, located in Arizona. Native Americans knew of this location as amethyst can be found nearby in the arrowhead artifacts. Most of the gemstones we purchase in America are sourced from Madagascar, South Africa, or South America, particularly Brazil. When you purchase this gemstone from Lee Dorn, most of the time we can say it was sourced from Brazil.
The Colors of Amethyst
Amethyst occurs in a wide range of colors, including nearly opaque or imperceptibly dark shades. It ranges in color from reddish-purple to purple or violet, with the darker colors being more valuable. Lighter hues such as orchid, lilac, or lavender are contrasted with the darker shades of purple, royal, or grape. The saturation of purple in the gemstone determines its value, with higher saturation being more valuable. The gemstones are highly valued, and the Four Peaks Mine in Arizona is renowned for producing a deep violet-purple color called “Siberian Red,” which is also found in the Ural Mountains of Russia. This color is rare but highly coveted due to its beauty. Sometimes, flashes of blue can be seen within the purple coloring, which adds to the stone’s appeal and romanticizes it, making it highly desirable for purchase.
Royal jewels use amethyst
Royalty prefers purple as their color and amethyst gemstones are contained in Crown Jewels. Four Peaks Mining in Arizona supplied three amethysts for the Spanish crown. You can find further information on the Four Peaks Mine in Arizona by reading it. here.
February’s birthstone is Amethyst
In New Age medicine, people recognize Amethyst as a healing crystal. Today’s classifications classify it as a semi-precious stone. Throughout history, ancient peoples considered it a “Gem of Fire”, a precious stone that sometimes held as much value as a diamond. Legend has it that Amethyst has healing properties and can increase creativity and passion. The birthstone of February is Amethyst, associated with the Roman god Neptune and Saint Valentine. The stone symbolizes love, and February is the month in which Valentine’s Day always occurs.
If you are looking to purchase a gift for someone this Valentine’s day or as a birthday present for February, consider the Amethyst. Please come in, call, or contact us, and we will happily show you pieces that are ready for purchase or customize something special for you.