PINK AMETHYST

Pink Amethyst is a pink-purple variety of quartz, with a Mohs hardness of 6-7, and the chemical formula SiO2 . It crystallizes in the Trigonal crystal system, although large crystals of pink amethyst are uncommon. Shades of amethyst vary from pale pink or lilac to an extremely dark violet, but it can also turn brown, yellow, or green when exposed to intense heat; whereas, the green variations of amethyst are sometimes called prasiolite, the heat treated yellow - orange varieties are often sold as an unnatural citrine. Amethyst owes its beautiful color combinations to cycles of natural irradiation, impurities of iron, and the presence of other trace elements. These combinations result in complex crystal lattice substitutions, giving it the capabilities to form in a wide range of purple hues. Crystals of amethyst often form within geodes; which are rock cavities and voids left behind by volcanic gases that are found within the Earth’s crust. Scientific research suggests that quartz crystals started their formation within the crust over 2 billion years ago!

AMETHYST GEODE

A geode is a rock that contains a cavity, which is sometimes lined with crystals or other mineral matter. Its name is derived from Ancient Greek, meaning “Earthlike”. Geodes are considered a secondary geological formation that often occurs within sedimentary and volcanic rock. Geodes are hollow, somewhat spherical rocks, in which masses of mineral matter are secluded. The crystals are formed from the filling and solidifying of voids within the volcanic rock; after which, minerals deposited from hydrothermal fluid absorption begin to precipitate within the cavity. Bedrock containing geodes will eventually weather and decompose, often leaving the rocks present at ground surface. These geodes are often hardened enough to have great staying power, especially when they are composed of weather resistant material, such as quartz.

AMETHYST HISTORY

Its name comes from the Greek “améthystos”, meaning “not drunken”. Since classical times, amethyst has been believed to moderate unruly behavior and to encourage clarity of mind, which is why many crystals were often mined to be crafted as wine goblets. In the poem titled "Les Amours de Bacchus et d'Amethyste", translated as” The love of Bacchus and Amethyste”, the French poet Rémy Belleau (1528–1577) told a tale in which Bacchus, the god of intoxication, of wine, and of grapes was pursuing a beautiful maiden named Amethyste, who refused his sentiment. Amethyste prayed to the gods to help her maintain her innocence, a prayer which was heard by the goddess of fertility, Diana. The goddess showed favor to Amethyste, and as an act of protection transformed her into a beautiful white stone. Bacchus was humbled by Diana’s favor and grew in respect of the young maiden’s honor, and he poured wine over the stone as an offering, forever dyeing the crystal a beautiful purple.

Amethyst was also used as amulet of good fortune and protection by the ancient Egyptians, and was largely found throughout Roman antiquity, serving purpose as intaglio engraved gemstones. Other examples of early amethyst mining have been found throughout India, dating back over 3,000 years; although, it is no longer considered a global distribution resource from these areas, archeological evidence suggests its early widespread distribution. Later, during the Middle Ages, amethyst was considered a symbol of royalty and was often used to decorate English regalia.

AMETHYST MINING, EXPORT, AND USES

Today, a number of localities in Brazil and Uruguay, as well as a handful of mines near Ontario, Canada, are considered primary exporters: As a matter of fact, a large majority of all amethyst on the market has been distributed from these three regions; however, well-formed crystals from the US, South Africa, Russia, Mexico, and Australia are highly sought after. A recently discovered Uruguayan amethyst geode is considered the largest amethyst geode in the world. It weighs in at over 44,000 pounds and measures an astounding 18 feet wide by 11 feet tall! It has been dubbed the "Enchanted Cave", and was reportedly discovered by a farmer in Artigas, Uruguay. It is currently located at the Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens in Byron Bay, Australia. While other amethyst geodes have been found to reach heights in excess of 20 feet tall, the Enchanted Cave is the only amethyst geode large enough to fit a group of people within its cavity. Aside from its primary uses as home décor and jewelry, amethyst is also exported for scientific research; specifically, for applications involving geochronology and isotope geochemistry. Because amethyst contains trace amounts of various isotopes, it can be applied as a tool when studying the age of rocks and other geological materials.

PINK AMETHYST METAPHYSICS

A stone of the Heart and Crown Chakra, pink amethyst is used to facilitate wisdom and change, allowing the mind to bring to light what the heart most requires. Pink Amethyst can also aid in bringing its user peace and Zen states of mind, allowing decompression from the weight of heavy thoughts and anxieties, while amplifying energies consistent with Love and the reciprocation of Love. Historically, amethyst has long been used as a stone of sobriety, discouraging the user from self-defeating thoughts of inebriation and intoxication. Furthermore, it has also been used as a helpful stone of transition, specifically by creating energies of support and comfort in death, but also, as an aid for those who need assistance in coming to terms with loss. Amethyst is not only treasured for its religious and spiritual benefits, but also for its physical healing properties, such as reducing tension and headaches, and promoting restful sleep when placed by the bedside. It is said to aid the physical body with immune system response, cellular disorders, insomnia, and dream recall.