Amethyst Crystal Meaning: Healing Properties & Uses

What is Amethyst Crystal?

Alongside Rose Quartz, Black Tourmaline and Citrine, Amethyst is one of the most beloved and most powerful energy crystals out there. Amethyst is a variety of Quartz crystals and a silicate mineral. Its rich purple colors emerge due to iron, irradiation, and transition metal impurities. This variety of combinations results in a complex crystal structure, which gives Amethyst a mesmerizing look and a durable profile.

If you're looking to expand your knowledge on this gorgeous stone, you're in the perfect place to do so. This blog post will reveal the meaning of amethyst, history, metaphysical properties, benefits, chakra connection, and so much more.

The Origins & History of Amethyst

Did you know that Amethyst dates back as early as 200 BC? This stone was favored by Ancient Greek philosophers, Egyptian spiritual leaders, and even Catholic Bishops.

Why "amethyst"? In Greek, "Amethystos" means "not drunk." The word comes from "a-" meaning "not" and "methystos," which means "to intoxicate." Ancient Greeks believed wearing this stone would keep you from getting tipsy, which was handy at parties where wine flowed freely.

This belief ties back to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. According to legend, a maiden named "Amethyst" was transformed into a transparent stone by Artemis to save her from Dionysus' wrath. In remorse, Dionysus poured wine over the stone, giving it its purple color.

Amethyst's meaning of clarity and protection has been embraced by various cultures. Egyptian leaders believed Amethyst amulets connected them to the divine. Catholic Bishops wore Amethyst rings symbolizing sobriety and purity. Medieval soldiers wore Amethyst in battle for calmness and protection.

With its rich purple hue, Amethyst has been a symbol of royalty, a protector against intoxication, and a bridge to the divine across cultures. And if you struggle with the pronunciation, just say "am-eh-thist"—as simple and elegant as the stone itself.

Healing Properties & Benefits of Amethyst

Amethyst is celebrated not only for its stunning purple color and metaphysical properties but also for its plethora of healing benefits.

Physical Healing Properties

While not scientifically proven, many believe Amethyst crystals can aid physical healing. It's said to help the endocrine system, promoting hormonal balance.

Amethyst is also known as a natural tranquilizer, calming the mind, easing anxiety, and improving sleep.

Additionally, it's thought to boost the immune system, enhance detoxification, and relieve physical discomfort like headaches and inflammation.

Mental & Emotional Healing Properties

Those inspiring and metaphysical Amethyst properties translate to benefits for your body, mind, and soul. Whether you wear Amethyst jewelry, meditate or sleep with it, these benefits are all yours if you welcome some purple Amethyst into your life:

Mind

The Amethyst stone features energy of contentment that will wash away the daily pressure and set you on a much more relaxed and stress-free life. This crystal nurtures your intuition and allows you to create an aura of calming vibrations.

With intense energy that boosts your decision-making, the crystal keeps your mind sharp and helps you break through any negative patterns in life - even addiction. This crystal will empower you to have ultimate trust in yourself and let your spirit flow on a much more positive vibe.

Soul

Are negative thoughts and memories not letting you concentrate or prepare for an important meeting? Break these negative energy patterns and shield yourself with a spiritual barrier. And that's why Amethyst is beloved among the spiritual community - for its unique metaphysical properties and an ability to soothe and protect the mind simultaneously. 

Body

While not proven scientifically, some claim that Amethyst crystals can aid physical healing. Some of the main properties include:

• enhancing the immune system
• improving endocrine function
• improving the skin's appearance
• promoting digestive health
• reducing headaches

Some of these benefits may be tangible, but there isn't any concrete scientific research and proof behind these claims.

Metaphysical Properties

Spirituality can feel mysterious and hard to achieve, but Amethyst makes it accessible by awakening your third eye and connecting you to spiritual realms.

Amethyst is closely tied to the Third Eye chakra, enhancing intuition and inner wisdom while also helping to reduce anxiety and depression. This crystal acts as a shield, protecting you from negative energies and keeping you centered and clear-headed throughout the day.

Amethyst's metaphysical properties benefit your body, mind, and soul. Whether you wear it as jewelry, meditate with it, or sleep with it nearby, Amethyst can help you stay grounded and spiritually connected.

Amethyst Crown and Third Eye Chakras Connection

The Crown Chakra, located at the top of the head, radiates upward like a crown. When blocked, it can make you feel disconnected and purposeless. Amethyst’s high vibrational energy is thought to open the Crown Chakra, promoting spiritual growth and a deep sense of peace, helping you feel balanced with the Universe.

The Third Eye Chakra, located in the center of the forehead, is linked to intuition and inner wisdom. When blocked, it can cause spiritual confusion and hinder your intuition. Amethyst is believed to unblock and balance the Third Eye Chakra, enhancing intuition and understanding of yourself and the Universe.

A blocked Crown or Third Eye Chakra can lead to:

• Feeling detached and uninspired
• Increased skepticism and stubbornness
• Over-focus on the material world
• Finding many things meaningless
• Lack of concentration

An open and balanced Crown and Third Eye Chakra can result in:

• Heightened sense of intuition
• Clarity of thought
• Increased awareness

Amethyst can help achieve this balance, fostering harmony and wisdom by keeping your ego in check and your chakras active and healthy.

Amethyst Birthstone Meaning & Astrology

Purple Amethyst stone also enjoys fame in the world of Astrology as the birthstone of Aquarius - a zodiac sign born in February.

Amethyst stone meaning is extra special to those born under this sign. It is known to balance emotions with intelligence, and it may also help Aquarians get in touch with their inner selves and teach them to trust their intuition. 

Whether it's a giant Amethyst cluster or a subtle Amethyst ring, it can be a significant gift for someone born in February.

Amethyst Geological Properties

After taking a brief look into the origin and the ancient tales that surround Amethyst, it's clear this gemstone is not just another pretty rock. Its geological properties add another layer of fascination to its already rich history.

Amethyst is a variety of quartz crystals and a silicate mineral. Its rich purple colors emerge due to iron, irradiation, and transition metals impurities.

This variety of combinations result in a complex crystal structure and gives Amethyst a pretty look and a durable profile at the same time.

The Mohs scale shows mineral hardness and the scratch resistance of crystals and stones through their ability to scratch softer material in a qualitative ordinal scale, from 1 to 10.

Amethyst stone has a score of 7 on Moh's hardness scale, a number indicating longevity, and that Amethyst jewelry can be used extensively. In general, it's a durable crystal as long as basic care and precautions are followed.

Amethyst's Color Zonning & Varieties

The lovely purple stone, found from Siberia to Sri Lanka and Brazil to Uruguay, varies by source. The top grade, "Deep Siberian" Amethyst, features a primary purple hue of 75-80%, 15-20% blue, and secondary red hues.

Its colors range from deep purple to light violet, with secondary reddish-purple or red-and-blue mixes. Here's a closer look at some captivating variations of natural Amethyst:

Ametrine

What happens when Amethysts interweave with sunny Citrine? Ametrine is born. It's a two-in-one stone that works wonders in sparking creativity and inspiring you when you're feeling stuck or simply… bored.

Cactus Quartz

This may be the cutest variation. Cactus quartz looks like a little cactus covered in sparkly purple. It is said to bring positive energy and is most powerful when used by people who already have a strong foundation in their relationships.

Canadian or Pink Amethyst 

This rare kind of Amethyst has very similar properties to Rose Quartz. Pink Amethyst is found in Canada, and its soft energy is all about spreading love and healing hearts.

Lavender Amethyst

As the name gives away, this variation of Amethyst is known for its gorgeous lavender color. It's lighter than the deep purple Amethyst we all know and is perfect for helping you feel relaxed and clear-headed.

Prasiolite

The Green amethyst, also called prasiolite, mainly comes from Brazil and stirs debate about its origin. Some say it's just heat-treated amethyst turning green, while others claim it's naturally occurring. True prasiolite is rare in nature, leading to confusion about whether it should be called green quartz instead.

Veracruz

Veracruz amethysts grow in holes of volcanic rock, getting their purple from iron and sunlight effects. They often appear with green epidote, in cool shapes that show off their volcanic roots.

How to Use Amethyst?

One of the best things about Amethyst is that it can be used in various ways due to its vibrant looks and spiritual significance. Here's how you can use Amethyst in your everyday life:

Wearing Amethyst

Wearing Amethyst jewelry blends seamlessly into any space, attire, or situation. Wearing Amethyst on your left hand, such as rings or bracelets, is believed to be more receptive to the healing energy of crystals. An elegant Amethyst ring or a Natural Amethyst Pendulum Necklace can accompany you gracefully in spiritual practice.

An Amethyst necklace, close to your heart, nurtures calm and stimulates creativity, making it perfect for infusing peace and imaginative spark into your day. Amethyst's mesmerizing purple hue makes it a favorite among designers and wearers, adding elegance and luxury to any ensemble.

In the end, wearing Amethyst should make you happy and balanced, whether through a bold necklace, a discreet ring, or a chic bracelet. It’s about adding beauty, peace, and creativity to your day.

Who Should Wear Amethyst?

Choosing to wear a crystal often comes down to a gut feeling. If Amethyst speaks to you, chances are it's a match. Amethyst is especially suited for those seeking calm and clarity. Amethyst could also be beneficial for those looking to deepen their intuition or seeking spiritual growth.

Who Should Not Wear Amethyst?

Though Amethyst is generally seen as beneficial, it might not be for everyone. For instance, people who are extremely sensitive to crystal energies might experience Amethyst as too quieting. If you're someone who needs more energetic or grounding stones to feel balanced, Amethyst might not be the best fit for you.

Amethyst in Feng Shui Practice: Home & Workplace Decor

Amethyst clusters, geodes, points, and similar free-standing shapes make a lovely decoration. Not only will you adore your surroundings with great visual aesthetics, but you'll love the feeling of peace and protection.

Amethyst stone is also famous in Feng Shui practice. It is known to activate Qun (Wealth & Prosperity) area in the Feng Shui Bagua Map - primarily because of its relation to purple (yes, another purple connection.)

To locate the Xun, or your wealth area, stand at the front door of your home and find the far left corner. Place natural Amethyst crystal there to engage in Feng Shui practice, elevate your financial freedom, and invite more abundance.

How To Cleanse & Care For Natural Amethyst Crystal

To keep the Amethyst meaning profound, its energy firm, and the vibrant looks shining, the purple Amethyst crystal must be cleansed and adequately cared for.

How to care for Amethyst:

Amethyst stone has a score of 7 on Moh's hardness scale, a number indicating longevity, and that Amethyst jewelry can be used extensively. In general, it's a durable crystal as long as basic care and precautions are followed.

Amethyst can be damaged in many ways - from abrupt temperature changes and prolonged exposure to intense light to hydrofluoric acid and alkaline solutions. Avoid these things to keep your stone in the best shape possible.

If you need to clean the stone, it can be safely done with gently warm soapy water. Steam cleaning is not recommended as high-temperature heat can fracture Amethyst crystals.

Store Amethyst jewelry in any box to prevent unnecessary scratching or accidental damage.

How to cleanse Amethyst:

While there are many methods to choose from, not all are suitable for Amethyst. Here's the list of cleansing methods to use and avoid:

• Water: Use running or saltwater for easy and safe cleaning. Amethyst is perfectly suitable for submerged under saltwater or left for a minute under running water.
• Sunlight: Avoid cleansing Amethyst in sunlight as it may fade the color and damage the surface. But if you are keen to cleanse it this way, try to do it at dusk or dawn when the light is soft.
• Smudging: Use the sacred plant Sage and waft the smoke around your Amethyst for a minute to cleanse your Amethyst safely and quickly.
• Moonlight: Leave it to bask in moonlight overnight, especially during a full moon.

Identifying Real Amethyst Crystal

Gemologists grade the Amethyst crystal by evaluating its color, including details such as clarity and visible inclusions. Overall, the deeper the shade of purple quartz, the better the quality of the Amethyst.

But not all of us have that deep knowledge on gemstones and their natural formations. If you want to ensure that your Amethyst crystals or jewelry are 100% natural and authentic, here’s what you need to know:

Color: Real Amethysts boast a range of purple shades, from soft lavender to rich violet. Natural variations in color, especially if they show a mix of deeper and lighter purples within the same stone, are a good sign of authenticity. Be wary of stones that are uniformly colored or unnaturally vibrant; they might be fake.

Clarity: Genuine Amethyst can have some natural flaws or inclusions, but they should be minimal. If you look closely, you might see tiny lines or features within the stone, which are normal. A completely flawless Amethyst could be synthetic or treated, while one with too many visible marks might not be the best quality.

Cut: The cut of an Amethyst affects how it reflects light and shows its color. Authentic Amethysts can be cut into various shapes to enhance their beauty. If the cut is too perfect or the facets don't seem to align well with the natural features of the stone, it might be a clue that the Amethyst isn't real.

Carat: Size matters, but it's not the only thing. Large Amethysts are not uncommon, but their value goes up with their size, especially if they also excel in color, clarity, and cut. A very large, perfect-looking stone at a low price should raise some eyebrows.

Amethyst FAQ’s 

What does Amethyst do? 

In a nutshell, Amethyst is thought to foster creativity, support inner peace, and enhance intuition. This beautiful purple gemstone is believed to have a calming influence, making it ideal for meditation and promoting serenity of mind.

What is Amethyst good for?

Amethyst is ideal for those seeking calmness and a boost in creativity. It aids in reducing stress, promoting emotional balance, and enhancing intuition. Perfect for mindful souls and creative thinkers who wish to deepen their focus and find peace in their daily lives.

What does Amethyst look like?

Amethyst is recognized for its striking range of purple colors, from light lavender shades to deep, rich violets. Its appearance is often characterized by a transparent to translucent clarity, allowing light to pass through and showcase its vibrant color

Can Amethyst go into water?

Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it's relatively water-proof. The stone can be placed in water briefly for cleaning, but prolonged exposure might fade its color and shine.

Does amethyst have Iron?

Yes, Amethyst contains iron. The presence of iron impurities within the quartz crystal structure is actually what gives Amethyst its characteristic purple color.

What is the color of Amethyst?

The color of Amethyst ranges from light lavender and lilac to deep purple. Some Amethysts can also show shades of red or blue within their purple hues, especially when exposed to light from different angles.

Is Amethyst stone dangerous?

No, Amethyst is not dangerous. It's a popular stone used in jewelry and for meditation without known adverse effects.

How to activate & charge Amethyst?

You can use various methods to activate and charge Amethyst: moonlight or smudging tools such as sage, Palo Santo, and incense. You can also do it through meditation and intention setting. 

How to cleanse Amethyst?

Rinse under running water and pat dry, or pass it through smoke from burning sage to cleanse its energy. Alternatively, you can use moonlight or smudging tools such as sage, Palo Santo, and incense. 

Does Amethyst cleanse other stones?

Yes, it's said that placing other crystals near or on an Amethyst cluster or geode can clear them of any negative or stagnant energy, essentially "resetting" them to their natural vibrational state. 

Where is Amethyst found?

Amethyst is found in several places around the world, with major deposits in Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and Zambia.

What’s the price of Amethyst?

The price of Tiger’s Eye can change a lot depending on quality, size, color, clarity, and origin. 

Where to buy Amethyst stones?

Tiger’s Eye stones can be purchased from multiple places, both online and offline. To ensure authenticity, it’s important to resort to trustworthy sources that offer lab-certified crystals like the Mindful Souls e-store.

Does Agate go with Amethyst?

Yes, Agate and Amethyst can complement each other very well. Agate is known for its grounding and stabilizing properties, while Amethyst is celebrated for its ability to promote calmness, intuition, and spiritual growth. Together, they can create a balanced energy that supports both grounding and higher consciousness. 

Final Thoughts About Amethyst

Written by:

Mindful Souls

Your destination for spirituality, mindfulness, and crystal jewelry. We simplify spiritual improvement, making it accessible and beneficial for everyone. With over 10 years in the mystical industry, we ensure quality through our experts in lithotherapy and geology.

Reviewed & approved by Monal Ghelot gem expert certified GIA.

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