|
Amethyst (AAA) |
A violet or purple variety of macrocrystalline quartz. The name comes from the Greek a ("not") and methuskein ("to intoxicate"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness; the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication. Amethyst is the birthstone associated with February. It is also associated with the astrological signs of Pisces, Aries, Aquarius, and Sagittarius. It is a symbol of heavenly understanding, and of the pioneer in thought and action on the philosophical, religious, spiritual, and material planes. Ranking members of the Roman Catholic Church traditionally wear rings set with a large amethyst as part of their office. Amethyst has also been used to encourage celibacy, erase evil thoughts and keep one grounded. Amethyst can vary in color from shades of red-violet to purple, from a milky color to green.
|
|