Amethysts have been recognized since even before the time of the ancient Greeks.  The Ancient Greeks called it ametystos, which had the meaning “not drunken,” as it was thought that wearing an amethyst would protect you from drinking too much, and becoming intoxicated. 

Since that time, amethysts have held their reputation of guardians against drunkenness, as well as a great helper for overcoming addictions of all kinds.  Amethysts have been applied to try to cure hearing disorders, headaches, insomnias, and other forms of pain.  It has even been suggested throughout history, that some applications of amethyst will help to stabilize and treat many different kinds of mental disorders.

Amethyst later became the official birthstone of February, in 1912.  It was decided upon by the American National Association of Jewelers.  At a similar time, it also became the representative stone for those who were born within the Zodiac sign Pisces.

More traditions involving amethyst are the fact that it is a highly suggested gem to be a gift for the 4th, 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

Amethysts are generally worn to make the wearer have an air of gentleness and amiability.  Similarly, amethysts are still commonly believed to hold powers over dreams, peace, healing, love, courage, spiritual uplifting, psychism, protection against thieves, and a general overall happiness.

The color of the amethyst, though widely varying, has actually led to a phrase “the color of amethyst.”  Amethysts are so widely respected, that they are used as a reference as far as their color, when it comes to other things of beauty.  Commonly, other, more expensive purple gemstones are compared to the color and beauty of an amethyst, in order to increase the image of their beauty.  Though when speaking of a color and making reference to amethysts, the color must always be a shade of purple, usually a rich, darker purple, but true amethysts can occur in a very wide range of shades of purples, violets and even pinks.

by Amanda