Amethyst
Amethyst is the most well-known and the most-prized of all quartz varieties. The ancient Greeks thought it had magical medicinal properties, it was used as a dream-stone to eliminate insomnia and as a cure to alleviate the effects of alcohol consumption.
Amethyst has strong links to religion - rosary beads were often made from amethyst and many religious houses such as St Vitus’ in Prague, dating back to 925AD, have inlays of amethyst on the walls.

Where is amethyst mined?
Russia was the major source of amethyst until the nineteenth century, when a huge deposit of amethyst was found in Brazil. Africa is now the major source of the finest amethyst.

Properties
Amethyst is 7 on the Mohs scale.

Colour
Varities of purple, lilac, violet and mauve.
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Birthstone and Anniversary Stone
Amethyst is the birthstone of February and is traditionally given on the 6th wedding anniversary.
