The Legend of the Purple Stone: A Brief History of AmethystIf you were born in February, or just love the color purple, you probably already have a soft spot for Amethyst. But did you know this gem was once considered as valuable as a diamond?
From angry Greek gods to medieval knights, the history of this stone is a wild ride. Here is the story of the world’s most famous purple gem.
1. What’s in a Name?First things first: the name "Amethyst" comes from the ancient Greek word amethystos, which literally means "not drunk.
"That’s right—the ancient Greeks believed that wearing this stone (or drinking from a cup made of it) would prevent you from getting intoxicated, no matter how much wine you had. It was the ultimate party trick of the ancient world.
2. The Myth: A God, a Girl, and a Glass of Wine
Why did they think it stopped drunkenness? It comes down to a dramatic Greek myth involving Dionysus, the god of wine (also known as Bacchus). The legend goes like this:
• Dionysus was having a bad day and vowed to unleash tigers on the next mortal he saw.• That mortal happened to be a young woman named Amethyste, who was on her way to pray.
• To save her from the tigers, the goddess Diana turned Amethyste into a clear, white crystal statute.• Dionysus, instantly regretting his rage, poured his cup of red wine over the stone as an offering.
• The wine stained the white crystal a deep, beautiful purple, creating the first Amethyst.
3. A Royal ObsessionFor centuries, purple was the color of royalty because purple dye was incredibly expensive and difficult to produce. Because Amethyst was one of the only natural materials in that color, it became the stone of kings and queens.
• The Egyptians carved it into amulets for protection.
• The British Crown Jewels feature large amethysts (Queen Mary’s Crown has a stunning one).
• Catherine the Great of Russia sent thousands of miners into the Ural mountains just to find them for her jewelry collection.
4. The "Bishop’s Stone"It wasn't just royalty who loved it; the church did too. In the Middle Ages, Amethyst became known as the "Bishop’s Stone.
"• Bishops wore amethyst rings to symbolize spiritual purity.
• St. Valentine (yes, the Valentine’s Day guy) was said to wear an amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid.
5. Why Isn't It Expensive Anymore?You might notice that today, Amethyst is actually quite affordable compared to rubies or emeralds.
What happened?Until the 1800s, Amethyst was as rare and expensive as diamonds. But then, huge deposits were discovered in Brazil. Suddenly, the stone wasn't rare anymore. While the price dropped, its popularity never did. It remains one of the most loved gems in the world.
Fast Facts for Your Readers• Birthstone: February
• Meaning: Sobriety, peace, and courage.
• Famous Fan: Leonardo da Vinci wrote that Amethyst could dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.
• Medieval Belief: Soldiers used to wear amethyst amulets into battle to keep them cool-headed and heal them if they were injured.
