An Amethyst is a birthstone for those born in the month of February. It is the most valuable member of the quartz family and forms as terminated crystals of all sizes in geodes and clusters.
The term "amethyst" derives from the ancient Greek word "amethystos", which roughly translates to intoxicated. Ancient Greece believed that this gemstone protected them from getting drunk. It was also called the 'Gem of Fire' in ancient times as it was thought to contain fire energy, an energy that is creative, passionate, and spiritual.
It is found throughout the world and gets its wonderful coloring from impurities of Iron or Manganese compounds. Amethyst occurs in primary hues from a light lavender or pale violet color to a deep purple color.
If you look closely at amethyst crystals, you'll probably see that the tips are generally darker than the bases. It happens due to the iron mix in the water changing as the crystal slowly grows. So basically, after the stone crystallizes, gamma rays that are emitted by radioactive materials inside the rock irradiate the iron, turning it purple.
The deep purple color of this gemstone has long signified royalty and had adorned many crowns and royal jewelry. It's known to symbolize wealth and enables the wearer to be clear-headed.
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