Humbled by Diana’s fortitude and desire to remain chaste, Bacchus poured wine over the stone as an offering, staining it purple and creating the first amethyst. The myth goes that the god Bacchus was pursuing a mortal woman Amethyste, who rebuffed his affections.Īmethyste prayed for chastity to the goddess Diana, who in return turned her into a white stone. In fact, the name “amethyst” comes from the Greek words a-“not” and methysko-“intoxicate.” In 1522 the French poet Remy Belleau invented a classical style myth about the origins of amethyst, meant to represent the Greeks’ attraction to the stone.
The Greeks believed that amethyst could prevent intoxication, as reflected in their practice of carving cups from the gem. Due to the wine-like color of amethyst, the Greeks associated the stone with Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. Archaeological evidence indicates that the ancient Egyptians favored amethyst, often using it for decorative and clothing purposes. History of AmethystĪmethyst has been used by a number of societies throughout history. The gem is associated with the zodiac sign Pisces and it is the birthstone of February. Over time, the intense heat and pressure form the crystal from the initial watery solution. The porous basalt absorbs water with dissolved amounts of silicon and other minerals.
Most of the amethyst mined currently comes from South America in particular from Brazil and Uraguay where amethyst crystals are found in underground cavities formed from basalt flow. Amethyst is one of the most well known semi-precious gems in the world, favored by lapidaries for its soft vibrant color, natural abundance, and relatively high durability.Īmethyst has also played a role in a number of cultures through history, often being used for decorative, religious, and medicinal purposes.Īmethyst is found in many places over the world, generally forming in high-temperature location from igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock deposits. Amethyst is a variety of silicon quartz, characterized by its unique purple hue.
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