AMETHYST

Do you like gemstones? I am pretty sure one of you does. Let's take a look at one of them. This one's got my fancy because of it's beauty and color. I really like the purple color, tried to find the mystery behind it's beauty. And so allow me to share it with you for my first blog...


Accordingly, the word is of Greek origin meaning "not drunken." A symbol of sincerity and stability the unique purple shades of this gem have been declared the "Rose de France" and has been set even today in victorian jewelry.



Amethyst origin resides with the god Dionysus (Bacchus) and the goddess Diana. Dionysus, the god of wine, celebrations, intoxication and jovialty, found insult by a mortal who had refused him acknowledgement. Enraged with anger he vowed to unleash his fury upon all mortals who did not partake in his gifts of wine and drunkenness. He immediately spotted a young maiden named Amethyst who happened to be pure and unfamiliar with being intoxicated.

Dionysus detained the young virgin on her way to pay homage to goddess Diana and summoned two fiercely voracious tigers to devour her while he sat back with his wine to watch. Poor Amethyst cried out to Diana for help. Quickly, goddess Diana transformed the young mortal into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the vicious wrath of Dionysus. At the sight of the beautiful statue Dionysus realized the ruthlessness of his actions and began to wept in remorse. As the tears dripped into his goblet Dionysus collapsed and the tear-tainted wine ran out unto the glimmering stone, stained its color, and thus became purple.



That was the mythical side of it, now for a little bit of historical background, purple has long been considered a royal color. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.Because Amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, it was very important in the ornamentation of catholic churches and considered to be the stone of bishops in the middle ages.



Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness and the gemstone symbolize sobriety. Ceremonial wine is frequently drunk from goblets fashioned from it.The birthstone for February and the gemstone for the astrological sign Pieces. One of the most popular semi-precious gems said to calm passions and aid in meditations, healing, restful sleep, good dreams, and protection against witchcraft.
There goes the legend behind amethyst gem my friends. Glad I learned something about it myself. Hope you enjoyed my sharing it with you.


source:
online encyclopedia for gemstones