What is an Amethyst?

An Amethyst is a type of quartz often found in jewellery, it is Bluish-purple in colour and is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2) with small traces of Aluminium and Iron which all merge to donate it its distinctive purple colour. In todays article we will provide some basic information about the Amythest in terms of its value, characteristics and price.

Greek Mythology Background

The name Amethyst comes from the Greek words a- (denoting "not") and Methustos (denoting "drunk"); these terms were used since the Greeks thought that the gemstone protected the wearer from becoming drunk. It was quite usual in Greek times for drinking vessels to be made of Amethysts. For example, many wine goblets were carved from the gemstone.

The story goes that the Greek god of intoxication and wine Dionysus was in a romantic pursuit of a maiden called Amethystos, who refused his advances. The goddess Artemis protected Amethystos by transforming her into a white gemstone; in honour of Amethystos and her longing to stay chaste, Dionysus poured wine on top of the white gemstone making it go purple in colour.

Where is Amethysts Found?

Amethysts are found all around the globe, largely in mines in Brazil, South Korea, Austria, Uruguay, Russia, Canada and Zambia.
Specific Amethysts mining areas in Brazil are Las Vigas, Minas Gerais and Piedras Parado. The Amethysts are normally found in geodes which are hollow rocks that contain crystallized minerals around the inside edge.

Another method is to inspect the mining area for something called a vein, The Amethyst can in specific circumstances grow in veins around 30 feet under the ground. Amethysts are commonly found with a stone called Citrine, so if Citrine is found, chances are Amethyst will also be available.

Amethyst deposits are also found in other countries around the world such as: Bolivia, Argentina, Madagascar, India and Sri Lanka.

How Much Are Amethyst Worth?

The key question asked by many people considering buying an Amethyst is how much do gthey cost and what constitutes a real stome rather than a fake.

Amethysts are considered (along with Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies and Emeralds) as the most valuable gemstones in the world. However, they seem to have gone down in worth since enormous deposits of the gemstone were found in Brazil - this follows the old adage of increasing volumes resulting in lower price.

Important aspects that characterize the value of an Amethyst include Clarity, Colour, Cut, Size, Individuality and treatments used to enhance the Amethyst.

Clarity, which refers to the number of flaws inside the gemstone, also affects the value of the Amethyst, with a smaller amount of flaws and scratches resulting in a more expensive Amethyst.

In terms of colour, an intensely coloured deep Purple Amethyst is worth more than a dull, pale lighter coloured one. A superbly cut Amethyst will be more expensive than an average cut gemstone.

In terms of size, with Amethysts size does count. The larger the Amethyst the better and the more it is worth. If an Amethyst has unique features such as special patterns or colours, this can additionally enhance its value.

Treatments such as heat, dyeing and coating can also reduce the value of the Amethyst. Natural Amethysts will also be more valuable than those that have been artificially treated and enhanced.