Amethyst

Amethyst is a popular semi-precious gemstone known for its beautiful violet to purple hues, which are the result of iron impurities and irradiation in its crystal structure. Part of the quartz family, amethyst ranges from light lavender to deep royal purple in color. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for everyday wear in jewelry. With a transparent to translucent appearance and a vitreous, glassy luster, amethyst is often sourced from Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Madagascar, and parts of the U.S.

Historically, amethyst has been cherished for centuries by various cultures. The ancient Egyptians used it for jewelry and amulets, while the Greeks believed it could prevent intoxication. In medieval times, it was favored by royalty and clergy for its beauty and spiritual significance.