The name of this exquisite purple quartz crystal
comes from the Greek word meaning, "not
drunk" as the stone was believed in Antiquity to
keep the wearer sober no matter how much wine
he might consume. All the great ancient
civilizations valued the gem, which was
particularly popular in Egypt for scarabs and in
Greece and Rome for intaglio rings. Because of
its wine-dark color and its use to prevent
intoxication, many were carved with the head of
the wine-god Dionysus. The oldest known stone
in the Crown Jewels of England is an amethyst
first worn in the 11th Century by Edward the
Confessor. Even today, the rings of high-ranking
ecclesiastics often have amethysts as their center
stones. Many wonderful and therapeutic
properties are ascribed to the gem: it can cure
gout, it cleanses the body of impurities, it keeps
the mind clear and alert and improves the
memory, and it gives the wearer pleasant dreams
and keeps him immune from infection and
contagious diseases. Because of its purple hue,
amethyst is also said to have a soothing effect on
the wearer, preventing outbursts of temper and
making one generally amiable. It is also reputed
to inspire creativity. Because it is a crystal, the
energy level radiating from this translucent royal
gem is particularly high, causing the wearer feel
wonderful both inside and out.
- (FJ.1966)
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