Amethyst stone: properties, values, features.

Many legends and beliefs are associated with the amethyst. Some called it a "widow's stone" and considered it a symbol of eternal love. Amethyst is a stone of loneliness, as it was worn by widows in memory of the deceased spouses. Other women, on the contrary, bought an amethyst to get rid of the lost love and find a new one. There was a belief that a gift with amethyst can fall in love with a new mistress to the one who gave the stone.

Ancient Greek myths tell how Bacchus, the god of winemaking, tried to revive the petrified nymph Amethyst and poured a grape wine into it , giving the stone a purple-violet color. In the translation from the ancient Greek name "amethyst" corresponds to the word "not drunk". Therefore, the ancient Greeks gave the amethyst property to protect from drunkenness. The ancient Romans also were in solidarity with the Greeks in how to use the amethyst stone. The properties supposedly neutralized by poisons served to the fact that the stone was often found on the bottom of glasses with wine. Most likely these legends are associated with the enchanting color of an amethyst reminiscent of wine.

In addition, in the ancient Greeks used amethyst stone in the treatment of certain disease states. Its properties allowed to improve the skin condition. It was believed that it relieves pigment spots, freckles, wrinkles, and generally rejuvenates the body. Today purified amethyst has really found application in the cosmetic industry. Amethyst under the pillow of the ancient Greeks had to get rid of insomnia or nightmares.

But the therapeutic abilities of amethyst in the Romans were more extensive. It was believed that the stone protects against infection during epidemics, lowers the temperature, improves cerebral circulation, stabilizes the nervous system, strengthens the immune system, improves vision.

Ancient Egyptians used amethyst for the pharaoh: they cut out dishes, decorated the throne.

Another value of the amethyst stone appeared in the period of the Sre- nevek era. He was called the episcopal stone. Amethyst takes one of the twelve places in the breastplate of the high priest, adorns the pastoral ring, is considered a symbol of modesty, humility.

In Russia, the amethyst stone was used not only in Orthodox churches (decorated with altars, icons, crosses), but also for making numerous jewelry.

At different times, travelers took an amethyst stone with them. The properties of changing their color and responding to the elements helped the sailors on long journeys. Specialists explain this phenomenon by the internal layered structure of the stone.

The popularity of the stone at all times has brought to life its various names: the amethyst, varenik, agate purple, Bacchus stone, lavender, bishop's stone (episcopal), amethystus.

Amethyst stone: the properties of the mineral.

Amethyst is a kind of quartz, the color of which has many shades of purple, dark red, purple. Mineral pale from sunlight. It has the ability to withstand high temperatures, while losing its rich coloration. Cooling down, the stone again acquires its color.

Amethyst deposits are located in different parts of the world, but experts believe that the most high-quality and beautiful are mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Russia (in the Urals). Amethyst crystals are like scepters. They are closely pressed together, forming a kind of brushes. Dimensions of crystals from five to one hundred millimeters. However, new technologies allow today professionals to grow crystals of amethyst up to fifteen centimeters. Artificial amethysts do not burn out.

At all times, jewelry with an amethyst was valued, the juicy nuances of which change color intricately. The frame for a lone amethyst is chosen from silver, but in combination with other gold stones will look better.