Crystalline quartz in shades of purple, lilac or mauve is called amethyst, a stone traditionally worn to guard against drunkenness, and to instil a sober and serious mind. Amethyst, derived from the Greek word ‘amethustos’, meaning literally ‘not drunk’, as it was believed to guard against drunkeness

The presence of manganese in clear quartz produces amethyst, while the amount of iron content varies the strength of the purple coloration. Crystals that are part citrine and part amethyst are called ametrine.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February, symbolising sincerity, and the
zodiac gem for Pisces (19 February to 20 March).

Crystal Structure:  Hexagonal /Trigonal

Composition:  Silicon dioxide

Hardness:  7

Metaphysical Properties: 

Amethyst is a ‘stone of spirituality and contentment’. It balances the energies of the intellectual, emotional, and physical bodies and provides a clear connection between the Earth plane and the other worlds. It clears the aura and stabilises and transmutes any dysfunctional energy located within ones body. Amethyst bestows stability, strength, invigoration and peace.

It assists in the assimilation of new ideas; by carrying, wearing or using amethyst, one can remember and apply the myriad of ways which can be used to overcome any crystallised / stationery areas within ones physical form, intellectual activities, emotional attitudes and state of consciousness.

It is useful in the treatment of disorders of the nervous system, digestive tracts, heart, stomach, skin and teeth. It can help cellular disorders to re-adjust and re-align in order to eliminate distressful conditions.

It has been used in the treatment of insomnia and to ameliorate pain from headaches and other disorders; the pain being dissipated completely. It is also useful in stabilising mental disorders. It has been used, with excellent results, as an elixir in the treatment of arthritis.
Occurrence: 

Amethyst is found in alluvial deposits or in geodes. Some of the largest geodes containing amethyst are in Brazil. Amethyst from the Urals (Russia) has a reddish tinge; Canadian amethyst is violet. Other localities include Sri Lanka, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, the USA, Germany, Australia, Namibia and Zambia.