Genuine Amethyst
Derived from the ancient Greek word amethystos, meaning not inebriated,
amethyst was believed to protect its wearer from intoxication. It was
also thought to entice the highest, purest aspirations of humankind.
February's birthstone, amethyst also is the suggested gift for the 6th
wedding anniversary. The amethyst belongs to the quartz family, the
world's largest mineral group. It comes in a variety of shades of
varying intensity from pale lilac to reddish or bluish violet to deep
purple with red highlights, and boasts good durability at 7 on the Mohs
scale.
The most important gem deposits are in Brazil, Uruguay,
Bolivia and Argentina. It is also found in Africa, Mexico, Australia,
India, Russia, and the United States.
