Amethyst: A Geological Marvel

Amethyst is a quartz variety of mineral form. It is one of the birthstones for February and used as the traditional wedding anniversary gift for couples celebrating 22 years together.

The word amethyst comes from the Greek words amethystos, meaning not intoxicated and hyalos, meaning crystal or glass. Ancient Greeks believed that it was capable to ward off the effects of alcohol when they drank it with wine in rituals and ceremonies.

Amethyst occurs mainly along with other violet minerals like violarite, bornite etc. It usually occurs as geodes, which are spherical or in irregular masses. These large amethyst geodes are called amethyst nodules. Amethyst is found in many parts of the world including Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Madagascar, Zambia and Russia.

Amethyst has been used for thousands of years for healing and pleasure. It was used by the ancient Romans who called it the "stoned" stone because of its effect on the mind and body. It was also used to decorate palaces and cathedrals all over Europe during the Middle Ages. Today, this beautiful crystal is still a popular choice for jewelry, especially rings representing marriage or engagement rings for loved ones.

The gem's scientific name is Amethystina Citrina. It is a variety of the mineral quartz or silicon dioxide. It is gray, clear, hard and brittle. It has a hardness of 7 and was first discovered on May 22, 1812 in Brazil.

Almost all amethyst found today are not natural, but rather man-made by heating quartz powder along with other minerals and then quenching it under water to make tiny polyhedral crystals that are treated chemically to improve the color shade. Synthetic amethyst has been popular since it got invented by early man in ancient Greece as they had little natural quartz crystals that were mined from their own countries.

Amethyst is not just for jewelry and decoration, but it is also used in many other ways. It has been used for healing purposes since ancient times. The stone has been known to promote a sense of peace and calmness. It gives people a feeling of balance and harmony. Ancient Greeks believed that the stone can relieve emotional pain, especially from heart problems. Recent studies have shown that amethyst can help reduce stress by activating the production of endorphins, which are hormones produced in the body to make you happy and calm. Small doses of this mineral can also act as an anti-depressant, which is why so many people think it should be included in their daily medication because it is very effective without side effects.

A few other health benefits include a beneficial effect on the digestive system, which helps with better digestion. It has also been found to help reduce adrenaline (cortisol) and blood pressure (hypertension). This type of stone is said to be useful for treating liver disorders, gall stones and urinary tract control. It is also good for relieving indigestion, diabetes, bronchitis and allergies. Amethyst has a positive effect on nervous systems as it relaxes muscles.

A little known fact about natural amethyst is that it can help in controlling both nicotine and alcohol addiction because it acts like an anti-depressant and reduces negative emotions.

Conclusion:

Amethyst is beneficial for every member of the family, but especially helpful for children with behavioral problems. It can help them get relief from hostility, anger and mental depression. It is also said to be a great aid in getting rid of restlessness and insomnia.

Amethyst is a rock composed mainly of quartz that has been colored purple by iron impurities. The most valued color for amethyst is royal purple; the darker the shade the better it's quality. Some material is light pinkish-purple (Rose de France), while some material is deep grape purple or possibly red-violet (ametrine).