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February Birthstone - Amethyst;
Healing Properties and Interesting Information
Healing
Amethyst is the Stone of spirituality and contentment. Provides a clear connection
between the earth
plane and other worlds, clears the aura, brings peace, stability and strength.
Excellent for meditation, releasing addictions and migraines.
Where Found
Most of the amethyst now comes from Brazil. Historically, the Ural Mountains in
Russia produced many fine amethysts . Some very attractive amethyst has been produced
in Mexico. In North America a great deal of amethyst is extracted from mines in
the Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, area. Major sources of amethysts include Brazil
and Uruguay, but they can also be found in Russia, Mexico, India, South Africa,
and the United States (Virginia, Arizona, and North Carolina).
History, mythology
Catherine the Great acquired thousands of amethysts. Prehistoric man used amethysts
for decoration as early as 25,000 B.C. The Egyptian queen Cleopatra wore an amethyst
signet ring, as did Saint Valentine, who bared an amethyst engraved with the figure
of Cupid. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also a
favorite of Egyptian royalty. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to
dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence. Because amethyst was thought
to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, it was very important in the ornamentation
of Catholic and other churches in the Middle Ages. It was, in particular, considered
to be the stone of bishops. In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha
and rosaries are often fashioned from it. The legend of the origin of amethyst comes
from Greek myths. Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was angered one day by an insult
from a mere mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal that crossed his path, creating
fierce tigers to carry out his wish. Along came unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful
young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. Diana turned Amethyst
into a stature of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws.
Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful
statue. The god's tears stained the quartz purple, creating the gem we know today.
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