How to Use Purple Crystals( Amethyst)
- The History of the Amethyst
Amethyst has been a prized gem for centuries
It is the birthstone for Pisces and the month of February, and the gemstone for the 6th anniversary of marriage. The stone is included in royal collections all over the world, from ancient Egypt to the British crown jewels.
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Amethyst the Stone of Royalty
The most expensive and difficult colors to make in ancient times was purple. Taking thousands of Murex Sea Snails to produce enough dye to color a cloth the size of a handkerchief.
Hence the colors used to signify Royalty. In Mark 15:17 and 20 the Bible describes the Roman garrison mocking Jesus Christ by dressing him in purple, due to his claim of being King of the Jews.
This leads the Clergy of Christianity to associate amethyst with Christ, The Bishop’s Ring being an example of the Church’s use of the Royal Stone. One legend says that Saint Valentine wore a signet ring set with amethyst that had the image of Cupid carved into the gem.
Also, the regalia of Royal Jewels for many kingdoms throughout the Old World includes these royal gems. One of the oldest surviving crowns with amethyst jewels is the “Iron Crown of Lombardy” from Italy. With a legend, the crown contains a band of iron from the crucifixion nails of Christ. Set with twenty-two gemstones the crown dates to the early Middle Ages. The golden crown is decorated with seven red garnets, seven blue sapphires, four violet amethysts, and four gems made of glass.
While the regalia of other kingdoms such as France, Georgia, and Norway bear amethyst jewels none are more extravagant than those of Britain.
- "Amethyst’s ability to expand the higher mind also enhances one’s creativity and passion."
The name Amethyst is derived from the Greek word ametusthos, meaning “not intoxicated", and comes from an ancient legend. The wine god Bacchus, angry over an insult and determined to avenge himself, decreed the first person he should meet would be devoured by his tigers. The unfortunate mortal happened to be a beautiful maiden named Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. As the ferocious beasts sprang, she sought the protection of the goddess and was saved by being turned into a clear, white crystal. Bacchus, regretting his cruelty, poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering; giving the gem its lovely purple hue.
