Amethyst is the birth stone of February, and stone for the Zodiac sign Pisces. Found most notably in Brazil, Uruguay, Ontario and North Carolina, this variety of mineral quartz gets its violet shade from iron and aluminum deposits, as well as natural irradiation. 

MYTHOLOGY

Greek translation: “not drunken.” 

According to the myth, the god Bacchus was angry, and had vowed to unleash a hoard of tigers upon the first person who encountered. Amethyst was on her way to give thanks to the god Diana, when she crossed paths with Bacchus. Before the tigers could attack Amethyst, Diana saved her by turning her into a clear crystal. Bacchus, regretting his actions that had caused the fate of this poor girl, poured the juice of grapes over the stone as an offering, giving the crystal its unique purple coloring. The Greeks gave the amethyst crystal meaning, consisting of the belief that it could prevent intoxication of all who wore it.

HEALING PROPERTIES 

Thought of mostly as a protective stone, the Amethyst is also linked to the crown chakra and is believed helpful in purifying and clearing the mind of negative thoughts. Amethyst’s healing properties are especially considered useful when it comes to work-related stress, because the stone is also associated with prosperity and abundance. Amethyst is believed to promote intuition and communication.