Amethyst is quartz with iron in it, and the iron is what makes it purple. How much radiation reached the crystal while it was growing decides whether a piece ends up pale lilac, deep violet or almost black, which is why two stones from the same pocket can look nothing alike. It comes out of Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia and Madagascar, and in smaller quantities from a scatter of other places.

The name comes from Greek. Amethystos means "not intoxicated". There is a 16th centrury poet that tells a story in which Amethystos, a young woman, called on Artemis when Dionysus pursued her. Artemis turned her to white stone. Dionysus, in remorse, poured wine over her, and the wine stained the stone purple. 

Through the medieval period amethyst was carried and worn as a reminder of moderation, and cut into rosary beads and bishops' rings. 

The Greeks and Romans used to make chalices out of it, believing that the crystal would prevent them from getting drunk.

Until large deposits were found in South America in the 1800s it sat with the cardinal gems, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald, and was priced accordingly.

Traditionally Associated With

Amethyst is traditionally associated with restraint and reflection, and with keeping to a middle path. It is also associated with inner peace.

Folklore gives it to travellers, and to anyone keeping a promise. 

It is the birthstone for February, and in modern practice it is one of the stones most often kept on a working altar.

How I'd Keep It

A point goes on a shelf or a windowsill, where the light can reach it. 

A tower stands on a desk or a bedside table. 

A tumbled piece or a ring is carried and worn where you'll catch sight of it during the day. 

Dust with a soft dry cloth, and keep amethyst out of direct sun for long stretches, because the colour will fade in it.

What To Watch For

Amethyst is often confused with two things. 

Pink Amethyst is a different material from the same family, pinker and softer, and it has its own listing in the shop. 

Ametrine is amethyst and citrine grown as a single crystal, with a hard line between the purple and the yellow. 

In The Shop

The Amethyst point is the one I'd start with. There's also the Pink Amethyst Tower and the Rough Amethyst Cluster. 

If you'd rather wear it, the Amethyst Adjustable Sterling Silver Ring, the Amethyst Ring With Flower Detail and the Amethyst Ring With Heart Detail.

In necklaces we have the Amethyst Carved Point With Flower of Life.

Earrings more your style? We have three to choose from. Amethyst Drop Earrings, Amethyst and Sterling Silver Oval Earrings and Amethyst Stud Earrings.

Free UK shipping on orders over £50. 

Everything is sent from Luton, and collection is available if you're local.