Amethyst Gemstone

This past weekend I was in Springfield Massachusetts for the East Coast Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show. In addition to my profession as a seamstress in formal wear, I am adding to my portfolio unique scarves known as Châle (Shă-lă). These scarves are made from luxurious natural fabrics with natural gemstones designed into them. Châle’s channel positive energy around and through individuals who wear them.

While at the gem and mineral show, I was enthralled with the amethyst, a beautiful naturally occurring gemstone from crystal quartz. The amethyst displays a variety of beautiful purple coloration caused by impurities of iron or manganese. The color is as unique as it is seductive. For thousands of years, amethyst has been the gemstone of royalty. The rich and powerful have worn it as a mark of rank for hundreds of years.

In popular Greek Mythology, the amethyst offers protection against drunkenness. The Greek word amethystos, means not intoxicated. It was believed that Dionysus, the god of wine and song, was very angry and vowed to slay the first mortal who crossed his path. The 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.

Another variation of the Greek mythology is that the Goddess Diana transformed the beautiful young maiden, Amethyst, into a statue of pure quartz in an effort to protect her from vicious tigers. The god Bacchus, angry because of an insult, decreed that the first person he met would be eaten by his tigers. Diana transformed Amethyst into crystal when the tigers sprang in attack. In remorse, Bacchus poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering, thus giving the gem its beautiful purple color. The Greeks believed that Amethyst would prevent intoxication, calm anger and relieve frustrated passion. Amethyst has been used throughout history to guard against drunkenness and is thought to be helpful in overcoming addiction. It has also been used for hearing disorders, insomnia, headaches, and other pains.

Folklore attributes amethyst to many supernatural powers in different cultures. It was believed to protect crops against tempests and locusts, protect against black magic and dissipate evil spirits.

Amethyst is noted for its sobering and cleansing effect. The amethyst powers include dreams, healing, peace, love, courage, and happiness. In Tibet there were amethyst rosaries, as the gemstone was dedicated to Buddha and was said to promote clarity of mind. Amethyst, when worn is believed to make the wearer of this beautiful gemstone calm, gentle, amiable, and to uplift one’s spirituality.

I can’t wait to start creating the Châle with the amethyst gemstone! I’m excited knowing that something so simple and beautiful can envelope one with calming, positive energy.