![]() Amethyst with an unusual pinkish purple color is found in Vietnam. Zambian amethyst has a medium dark purple with dark blue zones which add a depth to the color. In the 1950s, deposits of amethyst were discovered in Zambia. Uruguay and Bolivia also produce amethyst. Amethyst is mined across the country including in Marabá, Pau d’Arco, and Rio Grande do Sul. Since early in the 19th century, most of the amethyst on the market has been mined in Brazil. Even today, top quality amethyst is sometimes called “Siberian” even though the Russian deposit was mined out long ago. This historical deposit was known as “Siberian amethyst” and was said to be exceptionally fine with a dark purple color and rose-colored flashes. In the 18th century fine amethyst was discovered in the Ural mountains in Russia. The amethyst of the ancient world was probably mined in Sri Lanka and small deposits in Europe. Buddhists believe that amethyst enhances the tranquility of meditation, making it the preferred choice for Tibetan rosaries even today. The meaning of amethyst is peace and serenity. The baptismal font is crafted from a large amethyst geode. In the Brazilian town of Ametista do Sul, St Gabriel’s Church is decorated with 40 tons of amethyst crystals covering the walls. Since the middle ages, Bishop’s rings have been set with amethyst as a symbol of piety and celibacy. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse at the sight of the statue of the innocent girl, staining the quartz purple. When Amethyst asked Diana to protect her from the tiger’s claws, Diana turned her into a statue of pure quartz. Along came unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful young girl on her way to the temple of the goddess Diana. ![]() Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was angry one day and created a tiger to take revenge on the next human that crossed his path. The legend of the origin of amethyst comes from Greek myth. Amethyst comes from the Greek “amethystos” which means “not drunken.” That’s why amethyst symbolizes sobriety. Treasured by the ancient Romans, amethyst was worn as a talisman to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus. Although quartz is common, making up 12 percent of the earth’s crust, crystals of amethyst with fine color are much more rare. ![]() It wasn’t until huge deposits were discovered in Brazil that amethyst became available and affordable for commoners too.Īmethyst is the purple variety of quartz, the mineral that makes up most of the sand on beaches around the world. A text from 1652 says that amethyst is equal in value to a diamond of the same weight. With its royal color, Amethyst was originally considered one of the precious gems, along with ruby, sapphire, emerald and diamond. ![]() Their children were described as being “born in the purple.” In the Byzantine Empire, rulers wore flowing purple robes and signed their edicts in purple ink. ![]() Queen Elizabeth I allowed only members of the royal family to wear it. In Japan, purple is associated with the emperor. Purple was the color of Roman magistrates. The color purple has been associated with royalty, power and wealth for millennia. That regal gem is amethyst, long treasured for its rich purple color. In the British Crown Jewels, a precious gem tops the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, the symbol of royal authority, sitting right above the Cullinan I, the largest diamond in the world. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |