Purple has long been considered to be the color of royalty, and it is therefore not too surprising that the amethyst has consistently remained in demand throughout history. 

In fact, there are amethysts of the finest quality located in the British Crown Jewels, among the favorite jewels of Catherine the Great, and among the positions of ancient Egyptian royals. 

It can easily be said that though amethyst is simply transparent purple quarts, it is the most important and sought after varieties of quarts that is used in jewelry of all kinds.

Leonardo Da Vinci even took the time to write that amethysts are capable of dissipating thoughts of evil, while sharpening the intellect.

As amethysts were long thought to encourage celibacy, and be symbolic of piety, it was a natural fit as an important part of the decoration and ornamentation of Catholic and other churches throughout the Middle Ages.  It was specifically considered to be the stone of bishops; a tradition that has carried over to today, as bishops still frequently wear rings of amethyst.  Rosaries are frequently fashioned from it, and Buddhists believe that the stone is sacred to Buddha.

The colors of amethysts can range from the palest lilac, to the deepest purple.  Some even appear to be more pink than purple.  The paler colors are frequently referred to as “Rose de France,” and are most popular within Victorian jewelry.  The most valuable amethysts are the deeper colors that have a truly rich color to them, especially when they are endowed with rose flashes.

Amethysts are found today in Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Namibia, Zambia, and other African Countries.   Those from South America tend to be larger, while those from Africa seem to come in better, more saturated colors and sizes.  There are also very dark amethysts, found in smaller sizes, mined in Australia.

by Amanda