Amethyst is a variety of quartz that usually occurs as a fairly transparent mineral, with colors ranging from violet to purple. Its name comes from Latin amethystus and this one from Greek amethystos, which translates to 'sober'.
It is a mineral known since ancient times and is, surely, the variety of quartz most valued by gemologists and, for its users, the most striking and with the greatest aesthetic value. They are generally found in geodes.
It is very common for it to be worked, in jewelry, through mixed carving, which gives it all its shine and beauty. An attempt is made to imitate it with tinted glass and synthetic corundum.
Amethyst is a very special gemstone, at least in the world of symbolism, as it is closely related to protective events and functions, in many cultures, as a powerful talisman. It is a stone, therefore, with a long symbolic journey in Western culture.
The Greco-Latin meaning of the stone, 'sober', indicates a first belief that made it the infallible element to protect from drunkenness; Since ancient times it has been related to beneficial abilities in relation to states of intoxication, since it lessened their effects and damage. It has been said about this stone that it is capable of curing gout in those sufferers who carry it. It has also been a widespread belief that it was a good remedy against poison and, if all this were not enough, placed under the pillow ensures that we have the most pleasant and beneficial dreams possible. And finally, its most valuable quality, in my opinion, was that of sharpening the ingenuity of those who wore it. Perhaps all these properties were at the basis of its consideration as one of the most commonly chosen stones to adorn the rings of our bishops, which is endorsed by Christian tradition, which imputes values of humility to the color of this stone, since it is the one with the violet.
® Americo Lopez
