 Amethyst's
importance originates in antiquity.
In the Bible
an amethyst is worn on the
breastplate of Aaron, the high priest of the Hebrews. This amethyst
represented the prophet Math, who was filled with the desire to please
God and who had the gift of tongues.
In Greek mythology
Dionysus, the god of wine
and song, was angry and vowed to slay the first mortal who crossed his
path. That unlucky mortal was Amethyst, a beautiful maiden.
However, Artemis (goddess
of virginity and the hunt) intervened and transformed Amethyst into
white stone. When Dionysus saw what had happened, he repented and poured
wine over the stone, staining the top of it purple. That is why the
top of amethyst is purple and the bottom is white.
Though the story has other
variations such as: The Goddess Diana transformed a beautiful young
maiden, Amethyst, into a statue of pure quartz in an effort to protect
her from vicious tigers created by the vengeful God, Dionysus. Dionysus
having looked upon the results of his actions wept remorseful tears
of wine upon the statue endowing the stone with the rich purple hue
we know today. Dionysus as it happens was the God of Intoxication
In folklore and mythology
amethyst has many supernatural
powers.
Amethyst purportedly Brings
luck, Ensures constancy, Protects against magic, Prevents home-sickness,
Protects against drunkenness, (the Greek word amethustos means "not
drunk")
Leonardo da Vinci wrote that
the gem dissipates evil thoughts and quickens the intelligence -- high
praise indeed.
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