Amethyst

About Amethyst

Once as valuable as diamonds until massive deposits were found in Brazil in the 1800s. The ancient Greeks believed it prevented intoxication (amethystos means not drunk). Cleopatra wore an amethyst ring. Medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets for protection in battle. It changes color when heated - becoming yellow (citrine) at 470 degrees C. The color comes from iron impurities and natural irradiation. Brazil produces 70% of the world supply. The largest amethyst geode (the Empress of Uruguay) is 3.27 meters tall. It is the most valued quartz variety.