Amethyst

Astrologers Notes

Planet: Neptune

Key Words: Intuition, Perception, Imagination, Illumination, Protection.

A stone linked with clarity and spiritual wakefulness, Amethyst is associated with the qualities of Neptune. It stimulates clarity of consciousness and the awakening of inner peace.

Amethyst works to dispel negative conditions, and bring the soul essence of any situation to the fore. Its mineral content is known to bring clarity, and was used by the Greeks to nullify the intoxicating effects of wine. It clears the mind and environment of destabilizing influences so that true contentment and insight can be found

Spiritually, Amethyst awakens intuition and is an excellent meditation stone. It brings insight through dreams and encourages the energetic vibration required to see the truth that lies behind the apparent form of things. 

Amethyst is a form of quartz crystal that has been used since ancient times. It is well know for it calming and balancing energies, as it will ‘clear’ the space in which it is placed.

Amethyst placed under the pillow will stimulate an active and intense state of dreaming. This then leads to increased inspiration and awareness of the subtle forces operating behind the everyday.

Physically, amethyst has been used to relieve pain and educe heat within the body. It can help with nervous conditions and has been shown to decrease swelling when placed on the body. Amethyst is also useful from a digestive point of view where it seems to regulate the function of the large intestine and bodies ability to absorb water.

Amethyst should be worn for extended periods of time, and is best worn against the body. Regular meditation on an amethyst point is also especially beneficial as it can be used to stimulate and awaken the third eye or pineal gland.

Myth and legend:

The name amethyst comes from the Greek word meaning “not drunken” (amethustos) and in ancient times was used as an amulet to ward of drunkenness. This association between the stone and intoxication is interesting, considering the symbolic relationship between states of inebriation or heightened consciousness and the planet Neptune.

Valued throughout antiquity, the stone was known to have a calming and sobering effect. It has always been a favourite stone of high officials within the Christian Church owing to its influence and association with the princely colour purple. The well known mystic Hildegard von Bingen used the stone for healing skin diseases and swelling, and it has been used in the Arabic world to ward off nightmares and promote a calm, restful sleep.

Gemologer’s Notes

 Amethyst is the most highly valued member of the quartz family. Like other representatives of this group, it can form into large, visible crystals, geodes and druses. The best gem-quality amethyst comes from Brazil and parts of Africa, where a deep purple colour and lack of inclusions can make for stunning specimens. Pleochroism is also apparent and lesser quality specimens show distinct colour-banding

The colour forming agent in Amethyst is iron, which gives it some affinity with the planet Mars. When heat-treated amethysts can change colour from clear to green and reddy-brown. This process is done to create commercial specimens such as green amethyst and commercial citrine which are often just purple amethysts of lower quality heated to a specific point.

Care must be taken when choosing amethyst as there is much synthetic material on the market. High quality amethyst can fetch a large price, making synthetic processes viable. Amethyst can also be substituted in the market place for other stones like fluorite or even coloured glass.  For therapeutic and aesthetic purposes, choose a stone from a reputable dealer that shows strong and consistent in colour.  

Composition:

 

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