Amethyst Crystal: Types, Meaning and Benefits

Join us in exploring the meaning and remarkable benefits of amethyst with Feng Shui expert Phung Phuong, a member of LotusBuddhas. Despite his busy schedule, he generously dedicates some of valuable time to share his incredible insights about the amethyst crystal with the readers of LotusBuddhas.

Be amazed by the enchanting purple hue of this highly esteemed gemstone and delve into its rich legacy dating back to ancient times. The amethyst,  more than just a beautiful stone, serves as a beacon of calm, a shield against negativity, and a key to unlock profound spiritual understanding.

Famed for its captivating color spectrum ranging from light lavender to deep violet, the amethyst is a true visual delight. However, its allure extends far beyond its simple aesthetic charm. Deep within this gemstone lies an energetic potential that Phung Phuong elegantly illustrates through the teachings of Feng Shui. This versatile gemstone, he explains, not only heightens spiritual awareness and fosters tranquility but also safeguards its owner from misfortune and negative energies. Its potent energy can be harnessed and paired with other Feng Shui crystals to create harmonious environments and promote specific life aspects such as wealth, relationships, and career success.

What is Amethyst?

Amethyst, a member of the quartz mineral family, is a semiprecious violet or purple-colored gemstone that has been prized for centuries due to its rich color and supposed metaphysical properties. The color of amethyst ranges from a light pinkish violet to a deep purple, and can exhibit one or both secondary hues, red and blue. It possesses a Mohs hardness of 7, which makes it durable and suitable for a variety of ornamental purposes.

The name “amethyst” comes from the ancient Greek word ‘amethystos’, which means “not drunk”. The Greeks believed that this stone protected its owner from drunkenness and enabled them to keep a balanced mindset. This historical anecdote underscores the high esteem in which this gemstone was held in ancient cultures.

Amethyst’s purple hue is attributed to irradiation and the presence of iron impurities in its structure. The depth of the color depends on the amount of iron present in the mineral’s crystal lattice and the specifics of the irradiation process it underwent.  It is sensitive to heat and, upon heating, may turn yellow-orange, green, or colorless, which leads to what is often referred to as citrine or prasiolite, respectively.

Amethyst’s inherent beauty, combined with its relative abundance, makes it an accessible gemstone for a wide range of applications, from high-end jewelry to more affordable decorative pieces. Due to its hardness and lack of cleavage, it is a versatile gemstone that can be cut into a variety of shapes.

In terms of metaphysical properties, throughout history, amethyst has been used for its purported calming energy to help promote peace and balance. It’s often used in meditation and for sleep aid, believed to protect against nightmares and help with insomnia.

Chemical Composition and Crystal Structure

The chemical composition and crystal structure of amethyst are key to understanding this gemstone’s characteristics. Presented below is a table that delineates these properties:

Property	Description
Chemical Composition	SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
Color	Various shades of Purple, from light to dark
Crystal System	Trigonal
Cleavage	None
Fracture	Conchoidal
Luster	Vitreous
Transparency	Transparent to Translucent
Refractive Index	1.544 – 1.553
Birefringence	0.009
Optic Sign & Character	Uniaxial Positive
Dispersion	0.013
Specific Gravity	2.65
Hardness (Mohs scale)	7
Streak	White
Inclusions	Characteristic “fingerprints”, zonal coloration, two-phase and three-phase inclusions, healed fractures

The coloration of amethyst, as i noted before, is due to the presence of iron impurities and exposure to natural irradiation. The trigonal crystal system is a crystal system with one three-fold rotation axis and three two-fold rotation axes. This is typical of all quartz, the family to which amethyst belongs.

One key aspect of amethyst’s crystal structure is its lack of cleavage, which is the tendency of a mineral to break along certain planes to make smooth surfaces.  Minerals with good cleavage are easier to split. Amethyst, however, breaks with a conchoidal or shell-like fracture which, combined with its good hardness (7 on the Mohs scale), makes it durable for use in various types of jewelry.

The refractive index and birefringence are optical properties that indicate how light interacts with the mineral, while the specific gravity refers to the density of the gemstone compared to the density of water.

The streak of a mineral is the color of its powder when it is rubbed against a hard, rough surface, and for amethyst, this streak is white. Inclusions are internal features that can often help gemologists identify the gemstone, and in the case of amethyst, these can be characteristic “fingerprints,” zonal coloration, or various types of inclusions.

How is Amethyst Crystal Formed?

Amethyst crystals are formed through a process known as hydrothermal growth, occurring in geodes or cavities within volcanic rocks. These cavities often arise from gas bubbles that were trapped in lava flows or from shells of organisms that have decayed away after the rock has been subjected to heat and pressure. The environment within these cavities is conducive to the slow and steady growth of amethyst crystals.

The formation process begins when silica-rich solutions, which are heated waters containing dissolved silicon dioxide, seep into these cavities in the host rock. Over thousands to millions of years, the silica in these solutions slowly precipitates out and crystallizes as quartz, the mineral family to which amethyst belongs.

The coloration process of amethyst is due to the incorporation of iron impurities into the quartz’s crystal lattice during its growth.  Subsequent natural irradiation causes these iron ions to rearrange, which affects the absorption of light and produces the characteristic purple color of the amethyst.

The depth and shade of the amethyst’s color can be influenced by factors such as the amount of iron present, the specifics of the irradiation process, and the temperature at which the crystal was formed. Notably, the purple color is often not homogeneously distributed in individual crystals but is typically most intense at the crystal tips and fades out towards the base.

It is also worth noting that the size, quality, and clarity of amethyst crystals can vary significantly. Crystals may range in size from tiny druses that coat the interior of a geode to individual crystals that can weigh several kilograms. The best gem-quality amethyst is free of inclusions visible to the unaided eye, but many lower-quality pieces may have inclusions or fractures visible within the crystal.

Where is Amethyst Crystal Found?

Amethyst is a globally distributed mineral, found in diverse geological settings. However, several regions across the world are renowned for their significant amethyst deposits.

One of the most significant sources of amethyst in the world is Brazil. Notably, the Rio Grande do Sul state and the Minas Gerais region are rich in amethyst deposits. Brazilian amethyst often exhibits lighter shades of purple and can be found in relatively large geodes.

Another major South American producer of amethyst is Uruguay, primarily in the Artigas region. Uruguayan amethyst is typically darker in color compared to its Brazilian counterpart, and the crystals are often found in smaller, more irregularly shaped geodes.

In North America, the Thunder Bay area of Ontario, Canada, is famous for its unique variety of amethyst, sometimes displaying red hematite inclusions. Additionally,  amethyst is found in several states in the United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Maine.

Africa also hosts substantial amethyst deposits. Zambia, in particular, is one of the main contributors to the global supply of amethyst, with its mines located in the Mapatizya district of the Southern Province. These Zambian deposits are known for producing amethyst with deep, rich purple hues.

Other noteworthy sources of amethyst include Madagascar, Russia (specifically the Murmansk region), South Korea and India. The variation in amethyst’s color, quality, and size from different geographical locations is largely due to the differences in the geological conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and mineral composition, under which the crystals formed.

Types and Colors of Amethyst

Amethyst, as a variety of quartz, exhibits a beautiful range of purple shades. However, some distinctive types of amethyst have unique color patterns or other features that set them apart from regular amethyst.  Below is a list of some well-known types of amethyst, characterized by their unique colors and patterns:

1. Purple Amethyst: This is the most common and well-known type of amethyst, displaying shades of purple that range from light lavender to deep violet. The color is often most intense at the tips of the crystals and can exhibit secondary hues of red or blue.
2. Pink Amethyst: This is a relatively new category of amethyst, featuring a delicate, light pinkish hue. It is primarily found in the Patagonia region of Argentina. Although it is referred to as pink amethyst, technically, it is a variety of quartz.
3. Deep Russian Amethyst: This term refers to amethyst with an exceptionally rich, dark purple color. The name comes from a historically important amethyst mine in Russia, which produced many such stones in the 19th century.
4. Veracruz Amethyst: Named after the region in Mexico where it is mined, these amethyst crystals are typically lighter in color and are known for their prismatic and often doubly terminated crystals.
5. Brandberg Amethyst: This amethyst variety comes from the Brandberg mountains in Namibia. The crystals often contain inclusions or phantoms, and can exhibit color zones of both amethyst and smoky quartz within the same crystal.
6. Cactus Quartz or Spirit Quartz: This is a unique type of amethyst mainly found in South Africa. The core crystal or crystals are covered in small crystal points. The colors can vary, with amethyst (purple) and citrine (yellow) being the most common.
7. Ametrine: This is a bicolor quartz variety that combines the colors of amethyst and citrine in the same crystal. The most famous deposits are located in Bolivia, hence it is sometimes referred to as Bolivianite.
8. “Rose de France” Amethyst: This term refers to a light pink or lilac shade of amethyst and is often used in the gem trade for jewelry purposes.

Phung Phuong please note that, the specific colors and patterns of each type of amethyst can vary significantly due to geological conditions and trace elements. Each type of amethyst has its unique appeal and charm, which contributes to the overall versatility and desirability of this gemstone.

Amethyst Meaning and Symbolism

Amethyst, characterized by its captivating purple hues, has been vested with a multitude of meanings and symbolisms, predominantly of a positive nature, throughout history and across diverse cultures.  Here are some significant symbolisms and meanings associated with this gemstone:

Sobriety: Stemming from the ancient Greek term ‘ametusthos’, meaning ‘not intoxicated’, amethyst has historically been believed to prevent drunkenness and overindulgence. This belief led the ancient Greeks to fashion drinking vessels from it and wear it as protective amulets. This initial symbolism has evolved across time and place, adapting to the cultural contexts and beliefs of different societies.

Wealth and Protection: Within Chinese tradition, particularly in Feng Shui, the amethyst crystal is recognized as a wealth enhancer. It has been used extensively to dispel negative energy and guard against daily perils.

Royalty: Despite the amethyst symbolizing modesty and humility, its vibrant purple color has also associated it with royalty. Monarchs often adorned their crowns with this gemstone, signifying their royal status and power. Catherine the Great of Russia was particularly fond of the amethyst, and she incorporated it into her personal jewelry and articles.

Guardianship: Amethyst’s protective nature extends to various societal strata. Soldiers in ancient wars carried amethyst for its believed protective qualities. Similarly, ancient Egyptians wore amethyst jewelry and amulets to guard against feelings of guilt and fear, and to offer protection from witchcraft.

Religious symbolism: The amethyst has found its place in various religious contexts too. In Roman Catholicism, bishops often wore amethyst rings as a guard against the unholy effects of drunkenness. In Christianity, the deep purple color of the stone symbolizes Christ’s agony during the crucifixion. Similarly, in Jewish tradition, the amethyst, referred to as “ahlamah” or “dream stone”, was believed to induce powerful dreams and symbolized one of the 12 Tribes of Israel.

Spiritual quality: In Buddhism, particularly among Tibetan Buddhists, the spiritual quality of amethysts is often associated with Buddha, with amethyst beads commonly used in meditation practices.

Bridge between the Spiritual and Aesthetic: Despite the reduction in its precious value following the discovery of significant deposits in South America,  the amethyst remains a highly popular gemstone. It is esteemed for its metaphysical properties and varied uses, adeptly bridging the gap between the spiritual and the aesthetic realms.

Benefits of Amethyst Crystal

Amethyst has been associated with a range of beneficial attributes spanning the physical, mental and spiritual realms. These benefits, embedded in various cultural and spiritual traditions, contribute to its reputation as a highly beneficial stone.

Healing properties

Amethyst has been long associated with numerous healing properties that span the physical, emotional and spiritual realms. However,  Phung Phuong always reminds my customers that these healing properties are based on traditions, beliefs, and anecdotal evidence, and have not been substantively confirmed by empirical scientific research.

1. Physical healing: Amethyst is believed to provide a range of physical healing benefits. Traditional lore suggests that it can support the oxygenation of the blood, improve the endocrine system, and aid in the health of the digestive tract. It is also considered to be beneficial for the immune system, assisting the body in fending off diseases. Additionally, amethyst is frequently used in dealing with pain management, particularly when related to headaches or migraines.
2. Emotional healing: Amethyst is thought to be a powerful emotional healer. It is used to clear negative emotions and encourage a calm, peaceful state of mind. It can help alleviate anxiety, stress, and fear, promoting emotional balance. Furthermore, amethyst is thought to assist in dealing with loss and grief, providing solace and understanding during difficult times.
3. Mental healing: Amethyst is known to foster clarity of mind and improved cognitive function. It is believed to stimulate creativity and passion, bringing new ideas into focus. Its connection with the third eye chakra suggests that it can enhance intuition and support decision-making processes.
4. Addiction recovery: The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” which means “not drunk.” This origin reflects the ancient belief that amethyst can help overcome addictions. In a healing context, it is often used to support individuals in breaking free from addictive behaviors and substances.
5. Sleep and dream support: Amethyst is traditionally used to promote restful sleep and peaceful dreaming. It is thought to help with insomnia and to protect the individual from nightmares. Some people even place an amethyst crystal under their pillow to encourage insightful and healing dreams.

Metaphysical properties

Amethyst is revered for its rich metaphysical properties that connect it to spiritual and protective attributes. Here are some key metaphysical properties commonly ascribed to amethyst:

1. Crown chakra connection: Amethyst is reputed to be closely associated with Crown Chakra, often considered the gateway to the divine and the spiritual realm. This chakra, located at the top of the head, is the center of enlightenment, spiritual understanding and cosmic consciousness. An open crown chakra, facilitated by amethyst, may promote feelings of connectedness to the universe, balance, and a profound trust in one’s inner wisdom. Conversely, a blocked crown chakra may result in feelings of disconnection and an overly dominant ego.
2. Third eye stimulation: Third eye chakra, associated with intuition and perception of reality, is thought to be activated by amethyst. This gemstone invites the third eye to open, thereby enabling the blossoming of one’s sixth sense or intuitive capabilities.  When the third eye chakra is unblocked, feelings of depression, anxiety, and cynicism can be reduced, and imagination, inner wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment can thrive.
3. Protection against negativity: Amethyst has long been employed as a protective amulet. On a physical level, it is thought to shield against misfortune and harm. Spiritually, it is believed to safeguard the mind from negative influences such as dark magic and emotional manipulation.
4. Bridging physical and spiritual realms: Amethyst is believed to serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. It is said to facilitate spiritual awakening and enhance one’s spiritual connectedness.
5. Counteracting negative energy: Amethyst is believed to repel negative energies from one’s external environment, providing a shield of spiritual light around the body. This property is thought to lend an additional layer of protection, contributing to the stone’s reputation as a safeguard against physical and emotional harm.

How to Use Amethyst in Daily Life

Amethyst, a gemstone cherished for its spiritual, emotional, and physical properties, can be incorporated into daily life in several ways. Here are a few commonly practiced methods:

1. Wearing amethyst: Jewelry made with amethyst—such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings—allows the stone’s energy to remain in your aura, providing continuous benefits. The physical proximity may help enhance emotional well-being, intuition and spiritual awareness.
2. Meditation: Amethyst can be used as a tool for meditation. Hold the crystal in your hand or place it on your third eye or crown chakra to promote a deeper meditative state, spiritual growth, and enlightenment.
3. Home décor: Placing amethyst crystals in your home or workspace can contribute to a calming and protective energy environment. It is commonly placed in bedrooms for better sleep and in living areas for its soothing energy.
4. Amethyst grids: Crystal grids, patterns of crystals designed to amplify their collective energy, often incorporate amethyst due to its spiritual and protective properties. These can be used for a variety of purposes, including deepening meditation, promoting healing or enhancing psychic abilities.
5. Amethyst elixirs: Some people create elixirs by placing amethyst in drinking water to imbibe its energy directly. However, it’s important to ensure the crystal is clean and safe for such use.
6. Carrying amethyst: Keeping a small piece of amethyst in your pocket or purse can help you carry its energy with you throughout the day. This is believed to help with emotional balance, mental clarity, and protection.
7. Amethyst under the pillow: To promote restful sleep and encourage insightful dreams, you might place a piece of amethyst under your pillow. It’s thought to protect against nightmares and insomnia.
8. Energy clearing: As a protective and purifying stone, amethyst is commonly used in energy clearing practices. You can use an amethyst point to “sweep” your aura, clearing it of any negativity or energetic blockages.
9. Healing sessions: During Reiki meditation, massage, or other healing sessions, amethyst can be placed on or near the body to help open and align the crown and third eye chakras, promoting the body’s own healing capabilities.

These practices largely depend on personal belief and the user’s affinity to the stone’s purported properties. While amethyst is considered safe to use in these ways,  you have to remember that these practices should not replace any medical treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any health concerns.

How to Cleanse and Charge Amethyst

Amethyst like many other crystals, is believed by some to absorb and store energy from its environment, and thus may require periodic cleansing to remove any accumulated negative energy. Additionally, charging the crystal can supposedly help to restore or enhance its innate properties. The following procedures outline commonly practiced methods for cleansing and charging amethyst:

Cleansing amethyst

1. Water cleansing: Hold your amethyst under running water and envision it being cleared of any negative energy. After this, gently pat the crystal dry. Be aware that using this method with gemstones that are sensitive to water (which does not include amethyst) could potentially damage them.
2. Smoke cleansing: Smudging is another traditional method of cleansing crystals. To cleanse your amethyst, pass it through the smoke of sage, sweetgrass, or palo santo, all of which are commonly used for smudging.
3. Sound cleansing: The vibrations from singing bowls, bells, or tuning forks can also be used to cleanse amethyst. To do this, sound the instrument while holding the intention that the sound waves will clear away any negative energy from the crystal.
4. Rice method: You can bury your amethyst in a bowl of dry brown rice, which is believed to draw out negativity. After the crystal has been buried for about 24 hours, remove it, and throw away the rice.

Charging amethyst

1. Moonlight: Leaving your amethyst under the moonlight overnight, especially during a full moon, is a traditional way to charge crystals. The moon’s energy is considered gentle and balancing.
2. Sunlight: Although sunlight is a common method for charging many types of crystals, be cautious with amethyst. Long exposure to direct sunlight can cause the color of amethyst to fade. A short period of sun exposure is generally safe.
3. Earth: Burying your amethyst in the earth allows it to come into contact with the grounding energy of the planet. Leave the stone buried for a day or two, then dig it up, being sure to clear away all dirt.
4. Other crystals: Certain crystals, such as selenite or clear quartz, are believed to have the ability to charge other crystals. To charge your amethyst, simply place it on or near one of these crystals for a day or two.

How to Identify Authentic Amethyst

Amethyst is highly sought after in the gemstone market due to its beauty and benefits. With its popularity, it is unfortunately not uncommon for fake or treated stones to be considered genuine amethyst. However, there are some tips that Phung Phuong has gathered from her experience that can help you determine the authenticity of amethyst gemstones:

1. Color: Genuine amethyst varies in color from a light lavender to a deep, intense purple, sometimes with rose-colored flashes (known as “raspberry” amethyst). The color should be consistent throughout the stone, although a gradient with a lighter or white base leading up to deep purple tips is common in natural amethysts. Overly bright or uniform color might indicate a synthetic or artificially colored stone.
2. Inclusions: Natural amethyst often contains inclusions. These might take the form of tiger-stripes, color zoning, or small red, brown, or black flecks. A flawless stone with no inclusions might be synthetic or glass.
3. Refractivity: Natural amethyst has refractive indices between 1.544-1.553, and shows a weak pleochroism of pinkish violet and grayish violet. If these indices vary, it might be a sign of an imitation stone.
4. Hardness: Amethyst is relatively hard, ranking a 7 on the Mohs scale. It should be able to scratch a piece of glass or a penny. Conversely, a steel blade or piece of quartz should not be able to scratch the amethyst.
5. Cold Touch: Like all varieties of quartz, amethyst feels cold to the touch due to its good heat dissipation. Comparatively, plastic or glass substitutes would warm quickly to the touch.
6. Shape and Size: Natural amethyst crystals are hexagonal prisms that taper towards the point, with diamond-shaped faces at the point. However, keep in mind that cut and polished gemstones won’t necessarily show these traits.
7. Weight: As quartz, amethyst is heavier than glass or plastic imitations. If the stone feels suspiciously light, it might not be genuine.
8. UV Fluorescence: Some amethysts will display blue or greenish fluorescence under ultraviolet light, although this is not a definitive test, as not all natural amethysts will react to UV light.
9. Price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Natural, high-quality amethysts are valuable. Be wary of any dealer selling them at suspiciously low prices.

These points can provide helpful guidance, but definitive identification usually requires professional gemological tools and expertise.  If you’re considering a significant investment in an amethyst, you might want to obtain an evaluation from a reputable gemological laboratory or certified gemologist.

Amethyst is the Birthstone for Which Zodiac Sign?

Amethyst, the gemstone distinguished by its magnificent purple hue, is closely associated with the zodiac signs Aquarius and Pisces.

Aquarius: For individuals born under the sign of Aquarius (January 20 – February 18), amethyst serves as a significant birthstone. Aquarians are recognized for their forward-thinking perspectives, rooted in the influence of Uranus, their ruling planet. This planet symbolizes enlightenment, intuition and individual freedom. The spiritual properties of amethyst align beautifully with these traits, enhancing the Aquarian’s natural visionary qualities and fostering clear, thoughtful insights. Furthermore, amethyst’s calming properties can temper Aquarians’ occasionally analytical and assertive demeanors, promoting balanced, effective communication.

Pisces: Pisces (February 19 – March 20), the final sign of the zodiac, also has a strong connection with amethyst, particularly since this gemstone is traditionally associated with the month of February. Pisceans are known for their empathetic, creative spirits and their inclination towards spiritual exploration, all of which resonate deeply with the healing powers of amethyst.

This precious stone aids in maintaining the Piscean’s emotional equilibrium, preventing them from becoming overwhelmed by their profound empathy and the issues of others. It further serves to ground them spiritually, keeping their personal journeys in clear focus.  As Pisceans are influenced by the planet Uranus, the amethyst’s protective and illuminating properties support their embrace of change, encouraging the evolution of their intellectual and spiritual selves.

Combine Amethyst with Other Feng Shui Crystals

Combining amethyst with other crystals is a common practice in Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of balancing energies in any given space. Each crystal carries its own specific energetic properties, and when combined, they can amplify, balance or complement one another.

1. Amethyst and Clear quartz: Clear quartz is considered a universal healing stone, known for amplifying the energies of other crystals. When paired with amethyst, clear quartz can enhance amethyst’s calming and protective properties, thereby promoting a greater sense of peace and balance.
2. Amethyst and Rose quartz: Rose quartz is the stone of unconditional love and harmony in relationships. Paired with the spiritual and calming energies of amethyst, this combination is ideal for promoting tranquillity and peace in the home and enhancing relationships.
3. Amethyst and Citrine: Known as the Merchant’s Stone, citrine is often used to attract wealth and success. When combined with amethyst, a stone that enhances spirituality and contentment, the two stones can help balance material success with spiritual peace.
4. Amethyst and Black tourmaline: Black tourmaline is an incredibly grounding and protective stone, known for repelling negative energy. Together with amethyst, a stone of higher spiritual awareness and protection, this combination is excellent for creating a protective barrier against negativity while promoting spiritual growth.
5. Amethyst and Selenite: Selenite is known for its ability to cleanse and charge other crystals, as well as for promoting mental clarity. Together, amethyst and selenite can help to maintain a clear, peaceful, and energetically balanced environment.

When combining crystals to good Feng Shui, the placement is also crucial. A common practice is to position these crystals in places where you spend a lot of time, such as the living room, bedroom or office. However, each type of crystal will have an appropriate placement to maximize its power,  and Phung Phuong will share this in another article. The important thing is to regularly clean and energize your crystals to maintain their energetic properties.