Since the relatively recent discovery of major deposits in South America amethyst has lost most of its precious value but still is considered the most popular gem for its uses and metaphysical properties. Amethyst beads are used in meditation practices. Amethyst also symbolized one of the 12 Tribes of Israel and adorned the breastplate of the high priest, Aaron.īuddhism: Tibetan Buddhists often linked the spiritual quality of amethysts with Buddha.

Jews believed the gem caused powerful dreams. Judaism: the Hebrew word for amethyst, 'ahlamah', translates to 'dream stone'. The deep purple color is believed to symbolize Christ's agony in the crucifixion. The holy men often wore rings made of amethyst to protect them on a daily basis.Ĭhristianity: The spiritual connotation of the semi-precious stone is often compared with Christ. Researchers discovered amulets were worn for both superstition and protection in the afterlife.Ĭatholicism: Bishops wore amethyst jewelry to protect them from the unholy effects of being drunk. Catherine the Great adored the purple stone and required the stone be used in all of her personal articles.Įgypt: The Egyptians made amethyst jewelry and amulets based on gemstone materials and meanings. Russia: The Russians also decorated the jewelry and crowns of their royalty with a plenty of amethyst jewelry. In fact, the British adorned the crowns of royal family members with radiant amethyst jewelry. The elegant drinking vessels represented the mystical power of the amethyst.īritain: Power, wealth, and royalty were often associated with the color purple. Rome: The Romans also believed they would be protected from drunkenness if they consumed wine in a cup festooned with amethysts.

Whether it was a connection with spirituality, wine consumption, or royal lineage, amethysts have held their own in folklore, religion, and history. Many cultures throughout the world were drawn to the magic of this mesmerizing, mystical gem. While the Greeks believed in the healing qualities of amethysts, they weren't the only European country to do so. There are examples of the amethyst stone being used in Egypt as far back to 4000 BC. Amethyst was thought to control evil thoughts, help sobriety and help overall control of one’s thoughts and mindfulness.Īncient Egyptians gave another meaning to the crystals and were wearing jewelry with amethyst to protect against guilty and fearful feelings, along with a protection from witchcraft. It has also stood for humility and modesty despite the fact that the most powerful monarchs have used amethyst crystals as a symbol of royalty.Īmethyst was also used by soldiers during wars in ancient times due to the belief in its powerful and protective nature. In the period of Renaissance amethyst was widely engraved with animal symbols serving the meaning of protection and security.

Amethyst moon necklace