Violet Spirituality

Amethyst is the violet variety of quartz that is often used in jewelry and by a wide range of crystal healers all over the world. The name is originated from Ancient Greek word “Amethystos,” meaning not intoxicated or without drunkenness, which is a reference to the ancient belief that it protects the owner from intoxication and poison.

In fact Amethyst was used widely by ancient Egyptians and Greek, for intoxication and healing, as well treating feelings such as fear and guilt. It also was worn as a kind of protection from self-deception and witchcraft. In Tibet, Amethyst was believed to be sacred to Buddha and was used to make prayer beads. In Medieval era, Amethyst was used by European soldiers mainly as a protection in battle as they believed it has healing power.

Written by Leonardo da Vinci, Amethyst is helpful in dissipating evil thoughts and improving the intelligence.

Because of its violet color, which gives it spiritual properties and healing powers, Amethyst has long been used for spiritual purposes and protection. Amethyst is mentioned in the Bible as one of the 12 stones adorning the breastplate of the high priests of Yahweh and is also known as the Bishop’s Stone as it is worn by Catholic Bishops.

Amethyst can be found in primary hues from light pinkish violet to a deep purple and blue purple in Siberia, Sri Lanka, Brazil and the Far East. The ideal grade is called “Deep Siberian” and has a primary purple hue of around 75-80% with 15-20% blue and red secondary hues.

Of very variable intensity, the color of Amethyst is often laid in stripes parallel to the final faces of the crystal. Therefore the art of lapidary, involves cutting the stone in such a way that the tone of the finished gem looks homogenous. As often only a thin layer of violet color is present in the surface of the stone or the color is not homogeneous makes it difficult for cutting.

Amethyst can fade in tone if it is overexposed to light. Its color also changes by being heated to yellow and brownish-red. Those with a high degree of transparency become yellow or colorless at about 400 degrees.

In general Amethyst because of its color is known as the stone of “spirituality and contentment” and is believed to have soothing and calming effects. In spiritual realms, Amethyst is believed to be an excellent all-purpose stone that can enhance spirituality, psychic abilities and intuition. It is also effective in healing, especially in treating psychological ailments as it helps to disintegrate the thought patterns. Amethyst is also believed to create protection against black magic and psychic attacks.

Although it is good for spirituality, it is not advisable to wear the crystal while meditating as it may make the body over-energized and congested and may create complications.

Being a crystal, Amethyst gets contaminated when used for healing and protection over time and needs cleansing and charging. Being programmable, you can program your Amethyst for a special task such as healing.

Based on the quality and size, the power of this crystal may vary. Using techniques such as consecration however before use, will further increase the power of this crystal and its effectiveness substantially.

references

1. International Colored Gemstones Association. (2013). Amethyst. Retrieved from Gemstone: http://www.gemstone.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=98:sapphire&catid=1:gem-by-gem&Itemid=14
2. Kunz, G. F. (2003). Curious Lore of Precious Stones . Kessinger Publishing.
3. Lilly, S. S. (2003). Crystal, Colour and Chakra Healing. Anness Publishing Ltd.
4. Master Choa Kok Sui. (1998). Pranic Crystal Healing. Institute for Inner Studies Publishing Foundation.
5. Rosen, B. (2007). Crystal Basics. Octopus Publishing Group Ltd.
6. The American Heritage Dictionary. (n.d.). Amethyst. Retrieved from AHDictionary: http://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=amethyst&submit.x=58&submit.y=28
7. Wise, R. W. (2005). Secrets of the Gem Trade; The Connoisseur’s Guide to Precious Gemstones. Brunswick House Press.