AMETHYST

MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The amethyst is a variety of < span class="own-inside-link">quartz of magmatic and hydrothermal origin. Most of the amethyst deposits are found in Brazil and Uruguay, where its approximate date is 160 million years. Its violet color is due to the content of iron oxide and for having been subjected to high temperatures in its formation. The intensity of the color is usually concentrated at the tips of the crystals and sometimes it can also present bands of milky quartz. Amethyst crystals are pyramidal and have a vitreous luster.

We can find amethyst in different habits: crystallized inside closed ovoid cavities called geodes, covering surfaces or open cavities called druses, in individual crystal form or in a massive or compact habit.

The name of amethyst derives from the Greek "amethustos", which means "not to be drunk". In ancient Greece it was believed that this stone protected from drunkenness. Amethyst is one of the first gems used in ancient times as an ornamental stone and a symbol of wealth and power. Traditionally it has also been associated with purity and spirituality, as shown by some ancient ornaments, jewelry and utensils from India, Tibet or the early Christian Church.

Deposits: Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Mexico, India, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, Burma, Russia, United States and Canada.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES

The amethyst is known as the stone of harmony, transmutation and spirituality. It corresponds to the 6th chakra, located between the eyebrows. It helps to calm the mind and relax us, thus promoting the connection with our intuition. It is for this reason that the amethyst is usually a good complement for the practice of meditation, either holding the mineral between the hands, placing it above the eyebrows or heart, or placing an amethyst crystal in front of us.

It is usually the indicated stone to maintain strength in stressful situations and also to promote good sleep, as well as to help in cases of insomnia or nightmares.

Placing a good-sized amethyst geode or druse in the house will help create a clean and harmonious energy in the environment.