Amethyst Banded A Tumbled Gemstone

Amethyst forms in gas cavities within volcanic rock, where silica-rich fluids crystallize slowly over millions of years into pointed purple quartz. Trace iron and natural irradiation deep in the earth give the stone its violet color, which ranges from pale lavender to deep royal purple depending on iron content and conditions.

Amethyst is the purple variety of macrocrystalline quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO2). Its color comes from trace iron impurities altered by natural gamma irradiation within the earth. It crystallizes in the trigonal system, most often as six-sided prisms terminating in pyramidal points, and commonly lines the interior of geodes. Sustained heat converts amethyst to yellow-orange citrine.

In Greek legend the maiden Amethystos was turned to clear crystal by Artemis to shield her from Dionysus; the god poured wine over the stone in grief, staining it violet and giving amethyst its power to guard against drunkenness., Ancient Greeks and Romans carved drinking cups from amethyst and wore it while feasting, believing the stone kept the mind sober and clear no matter how the wine flowed., and In medieval Europe soldiers wore amethyst amulets into battle for protection and a level head, while bishops wore amethyst rings as a symbol of piety, sobriety, and spiritual authority.