HISTORY AND LEGENDS OF THE AMETHYST STONE :

History:

The natural amethyst stone or Bacchus stone is associated with the God of wine. Indeed, the name amethyst comes from the ancient Greek amethuo. By breaking down: from "a" (privative) and "methuo" which means "to intoxicate". Through legends and stories, this stone is known to protect against drunkenness and more globally it is used in the fight against addictions.In ancient times, this stone was considered a precious, rare and extraordinary stone. Its unequalled colour gave it a very special aura. This stone was associated with royalty and ecclesiastics. In the 19th century, the discovery of amethyst mines in Brazil democratised this natural stone, making it much more accessible and cheap. Since then, it has been considered a fine stone and categorised as a semi-precious stone.

Deposits and formation:

Amethyst stone is a variety of precious quartz. Its colour varies from transparent violet to purple. Its colour is mainly related to the traces of iron in the place of its formation. Amethyst stone is magmatically formed. It is found specifically in the cavities of volcanic rocks formed by gas bubbles.The main deposits are located in Brazil, which is currently the largest exporter of amethyst in the world. There are also mines in Uruguay, Russia, Madagascar and France. The deposits in Brazil offer gems in the form of loose prisms that are not found anywhere else. In Madagascar, amethyst stones will generally have a darker purple colour. In France, lighter amethyst stone is found, nicely named "Rose de France" for its violet to light pink colour.

Legends and beliefs:

There are several legends about amethyst stone.One of them tells that the Greek god of wine, Dyonisos, was ardently pursuing a young girl named Amethystos. The goddess Artemis, in order to protect her and respect her desire to remain chaste, turned her into white stone. In revenge for this humiliation, Dyonisos poured wine over the stone, which gave it its purple colour.
Another Greek legend tells us that, in order to avenge the insults of men, Dyonisos harnessed his chariot of tigers to kill the first person in his path. This first person was the young woman Amethystos, who implored Diana, goddess of the hunt, to turn her into stone to escape the tigers' claws. Full of remorse, Dyonisos shed tears of wine on the gem, which was then dyed purple.
Among the Greeks and Romans, wine was drunk from amethyst stone cups. They believed that this protected them from drunkenness. However, the colour of the stone reinforced the colour of the wine and, above all, allowed the wine to be gradually replaced by water. It seems that the anti-drunkenness properties of the amethyst stone come mainly from this anecdote!
In the Middle Ages, the amethyst stone became a symbol of humility. The priests associated this stone with obedience to God, chastity and renunciation of earthly goods. During this period, it was also believed to have properties against skin diseases and swelling.
In Arab countries, the natural amethyst stone is frequently used to prevent nightmares by placing it under the pillow.
In general and in popular belief, the amethyst stone is seen as a powerful stone of protection against treachery and black magic.

WHAT ARE THE VIRTUES OF NATURAL AMETHYST STONE?

Physical virtues:   

On the physical level, natural amethyst stone is known to be a stone that promotes purification. It stimulates the production of hormones and, in general, the body's metabolism. Amethyst stone relieves pain and physical stress (headaches, tension, bruising and swelling). It dissipates tension and purifies the aura. It is a balancing stone that connects the spiritual, mental and emotional bodies.

Mental properties: 

On the mental level, the natural stone of amethyst promotes calm and relaxation of the mind. It is often used during meditation to interrupt the inner dialogue and thus achieve tranquillity and deep understanding. It allows concentration and clarification of thoughts, to link cause and effect. In this sense, it facilitates the process of visualisation and improves motivation. This natural stone is also known to stimulate intuition and strengthen psychic gifts.

Which chakra is connected to the amethyst stone? 

In lithotherapy, the natural amethyst stone is known to be a highly spiritual stone and an excellent meditative support. The natural amethyst stone is connected to the 7th crown chakra, Sahasrara in Shanskrit. Located at the top of the head, it is in direct connection with the brain and the entire nervous system. The 7th chakra symbolises harmony and works on opening up to divine energy by linking the universe and the world beyond. Well balanced, the coronal chakra allows a sober and solid soul, in harmony with its place in the world.

AMETHYST STONE: HOW TO ADOPT AND CARE FOR IT. 

Which amethyst stone to choose? 

In Feng Shui, natural amethyst stone is often recommended to purify places. It is used in clusters or as a geode. It is also known to have absorbing properties to counter electromagnetic waves.
The amethyst stone is particularly active used on the throat or heart chakras.
In jewellery, its stone will act more particularly for the healings. The point directed towards the subject attracts the energy there. In the opposite direction, it sucks it in. Violet-lavender amethysts have the highest vibrations. Amethysts must remain violet in colour, otherwise, when heated, they will not have the same specificity. A variation of amethyst with yellow and violet tones is a mixture between amethyst and citrine. It is then called ametrine.

Astrological correspondences :

It is said that the natural stone of amethyst is the stone of the natives of the month of February.
It would be thus more particularly associated with the Aquarius and the Pisces. Indeed, in Pisces, the stone of amethyst reinforces their overflowing imagination and brings them confidence in them. For Aquarians, the amethyst stone acts as an emotional stabiliser, bringing them calm and reassurance.  The amethyst stone would bring a bit of spirituality to Virgos who can sometimes have difficulty taking a step back. Finally, we can associate the amethyst stone with Sagittarius. This idealistic and impulsive sign will find some calm and appeasement thanks to this gem.

Aura Bijoux and the amethyst stone:

To make you discover the energies of natural stones is at the heart of our DNA. Our collections are designed and handcrafted in our Parisian workshops. Discover how to wear the amethyst stone with elegance by discovering our Autumn/Winter 2022 collection. In limited edition for this season you will find our rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces made of natural amethyst stone. Close to the throat and heart chakra, our Talisman necklace or our Myriad double/choker bracelet will be the perfect allies to awaken all the virtues of the natural amethyst stone.

Purification and recharging :

To recharge the amethyst stone, geodes are the most powerful. Salt and fire should be avoided with this stone.
The natural stone of amethyst supports badly direct light (Sun or Moon). To avoid discoloration of the stone, use indirect light with the help of a mirror, or covered with a thin cloth for example.