Benefits of Amethyst Stone and Crystal -(Sobriety Stone)

Amethyst is a powerful and protective stone, and is believed to have a calming, sobering effect on the mind and body. Wearing amethyst on your person can bring the crystal healing energy with you wherever you may find yourself. Amethyst in an office is said to foster deeper creativity...

A look inside amethyst crystal - cross section view inside a geode
A look inside amethyst crystal

Introduction -  What are the benefits of amethyst stone and crystal?

Amethyst is a purple stone variety of quartz. It has been mined for centuries because of its beauty and known healing powers.  This article will discuss many benefits of amethyst stone and crystal.

Amethyst is a semi precious stone with a purple appearance and a glassy sheen. It is a hexagonal [6 sided] form of quartz crystal.

This purple quartz of is reminiscent of rock candy because it often comes in hard rock enclosures that, when broken open, are full of purple crystals.

Amethyst is believed to be an excellent meditation stone that can calm the mind and balance emotions.


What is Amethyst good for?

Protection: In medieval times soldiers wore amethyst to protect them in battle. It was supposed to keep the head clear and also help heal the body.

Sobriety: The ancient Greeks considered amethyst a tool to prevent intoxication and they would drink wine from amethyst goblets. While amethyst stone can be carved into elegant drinking vessels, it's a bit silly is to think that a person can drink wine and avoid intoxication. However, it's an interesting possibility that the amethyst could reduce the impacts of alcohol.

Wealth: As it is used in Feng Shui, the purple amethyst is considered to increase a persons wealth energy.

A small amethyst crystal pyramid in the hand

What is Amethyst? 

Some facts and history.

This purple gem was highly valued in ancient times, and it was often worn by royalty and nobility as a status symbol. Amethyst stones were also used as talismans to ward off evil spirits, and they have been used in jewelry since ancient times.


Amethyst History

Legend of Amethyst: In the middle ages, there was a fair maiden by the name of Amethyst and she was so lovely that she was being pursued by Dionysus, the god of wine and intoxication.

Amethyst was not charmed by Dionysus, and she was determined to remain pure. In spite of the relentless pursuit of Dionysus she was able to resist his charms and preserve her purity.

Photo of Sculpture of Dionysus - Cantor Museum at Stanford.  Naan, Naan Design, Naandesign
Sculpture of Dionysus - Cantor Museum at Stanford

In honor of her strength, the goddess Artemis turned Amethyst into a clear crystal statue. The was done to save Amethyst and make her impervious to any attack from Dionysus who was determined that he should either have Amethyst or kill her.

Being that she had become crystal there was nothing more he could do.  Thanks to the actions of Artemis, Dionysus recognize the power of Amethyst's beauty and purity, and he had a change of heart. Dionysus poured his wine over the crystalized Amethyst turning her into an exquisite purple.


Amethyst Meaning

Amethyst derives its name from the Greek word ‘amethystos’, which means ‘sober’, and it is likely the Greeks gave the crystal its name. However some prefer to consider amethyst being named named after the maiden in the story above.

Amethyst is the birthstone of February and was a symbol of royalty decorating European crowns in the middle ages. In the Catholic church, Bishops wore amethyst jewelry to indicate their important rank in the church.

Amethyst was considered to be one of the five most precious gemstones, and it was a status symbol to wear amethyst jewelry.  Large amethyst deposits have recently been found in Brazil, which makes it more common to find. Accordingly, amethyst is currently considered a semiprecious stone.

Amethyst stone does have significant mythos and legend and reported healing properties. Tibetan Buddhists, for example, consider amethyst to be sacred and they make prayer beads from it.

close up view of amethyst crystal cluster.  Naan, Naan Design, Naandesign.
Close up view of amethyst crystal cluster

How is Amethyst formed?

Amethyst is formed in igneous rock and often found the form of geodes which are hollow inside and full of the amethyst crystals.


Where is Amethyst found?

Amethyst can be found all over the world, but it is most commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Madagascar, Siberia and Canada. Amethyst is typically mined from pegmatites or crystalline rocks.

Amethyst is also found in Zambia, Africa, Spain, Argentina, Russia, Afghanistan, France, South Korea, Mexico, and the United States.


What does Amethyst look like?

Amethyst is a member of the quartz family quartz and is often embedded within geode rock, called an amethyst geode, with the most ideal coloring of 80% purple and 20% blue.

This deep purple color gem is called deep Siberian amethyst. The French version tends to be a little lighter in color and it looks more like a pale lavender. All amethyst is a version of lavender or purple. There is no such thing as green or black amethyst.

You might've seen a geode which is a roundish stone or rock that when cut in half, the inside is hollow and encrusted with purple crystals. The amethyst cluster is a very common and natural form.

Image of an amethyst geode.  Naan, Naan Design, Naandesign
Amethyst geode in rich purple

Appearance of amethyst by source location:

  • Brazil - Purple tipped crystals inside geodes. Light to medium color
  • Uruguay - dark to medium color throughout found in geodes lined with crystal clusters.
  • Mexico - Southeast - Veracruz - purple exterior, clear interior. clear crystal.
  • Mexico - Southwest - Guerrero - purple interior, clear exterior. clear to white crystal with outwards radiating pattern
  • USA - North Carolina - blue-violet crystal clusters
  • USA - Pennsylvania - clusters of patchy brown and purple crystals
  • USA - Colorado - small, dark-purple clusters
  • Canada - reddish purple crystal clusters
  • Russia - clear and deep purple stones used for fine jewelry
Amethyst cross section.  Naan, Naan Design, Naandesign
Amethyst cross section

Using Amethyst Crystal

Metaphysical properties and physical healing properties of amethyst crystal

Metaphysical properties and physical healing properties of amethyst crystal

Amethyst crystals for the home and other physical spaces.

As far as the home is concerned simply having some amethyst clusters strategically placed around the home can improve the energy properties of the home. Likewise, they can be placed in the workspace and anywhere someone needs to have clarity and creativity.

If you're living in a home with more than one person or in a building that has many occupants, keeping some of these sacred stones can help create harmony with all of the other people.

Amethyst crystal cluster held in the palm.  Naan, Naan Design,  Naandesign
Amethyst crystal cluster held in the palm

Amethyst in an office is said to foster deeper creativity.  In the bedroom, amethyst can nurture deeper sleep, and in family areas it helps absorb negativity energy and transmute it into something positive.


Amethyst crystals for health - body, mind and spirit

Amethyst is a powerful and protective stone, and is believed to have a calming, sobering effect on the mind and body. Wearing amethyst on your person can bring the crystal healing energy with you wherever you may find yourself.

The amethyst crystal is said to be the stone of sobriety. Amethyst might help with alcoholism by clearing the mind and removing any negative feelings that may be associated with drinking alcohol.

Woman in lavender outfit seated in meditation.
Meditation and amethyst are great partners

Below are a some known amethyst benefits and healing properties:

10 Amethyst contributions to a healthy body:

  • Benefit the endocrine system and metabolism.
  • Help with chronic hormonal conditions such as PCOD.
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Cleanse the blood
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Help with insomnia
  • Enhance skin tone and skin condition.
  • Circulate good vibes and happiness.
  • Enhance skin tone and skin condition.
  • Advance gut health and stomach wellbeing.

5 Amethyst contributions to a healthy mind:

  • Remove mental blockages
  • Create calming energy
  • Improve focus and concentration
  • Aid in removing addictions
  • Balance mood swings

5 Amethyst contributions to a healthy spirit:

  • Enhances psychic connection
  • Strengthens connection to spirit guides, angelic realms
  • Circulates positive and happy vibrations
  • Brings body, mind and spirit into balance opening the door for spiritual wisdom
  • Promotes and enhances peaceful energy

The idea that amethyst activates spiritual awareness is widely accepted and many people use these sacred stones for meditation because it can clear negative energies and enhance inner wisdom.

Image of Amethyst water bottle used to enhance water. Naan, Naan Design, Naandesign
Amethyst water bottle used to enhance water

What is an amethyst pendulum?

An amethyst pendulum acts in a similar fashion as a magic eight ball. We ask questions to the universe and look to the magic eight ball and to see an answer.

Similarly an amethyst pendulum stone is held above the palm and it will point to answer questions that are asked of it. The spiritual stone is held gently in the hand while the user begins to communicate with the spiritual stone with the mind.

Image of an Amethyst pendulum on sunglasses.  Naan, Naan Design, Naandesign
Amethyst pendulum on sunglasses

The pendulum user indicates to the stone which direction to move to communicate a yes or a no answer. The amethyst can be held between the thumb and index finger, and moved in the specified directions to confirm this movement intention.

Once the pattern is communicated to the stone, the amethyst pendulum is considered to be programmed and can be used to ask questions. The inner wisdom of the stone will respond to the questions and move within the palm to the yes or no position.


Amethyst jewelry

Keeping amethyst stone in contact with the skin can be a potent way to connect to its healing energies. Bare skin contact allows the stone’s vibration directly access to the body which can amplify its benefits.

I mage of and amethyst broach in a case.  Naan, Naan Design, Naandesign
Amethyst broach in a case

Amethyst jewelry comes in many varieties. It is in the eye of the beholder to choose the best option for each lifestyle. Amethyst bracelets, earrings, worry stones, and pendants can be worn and used as much as is needed and desired.

Other stones that connect well with Amethyst are Aquamarine, Citrine, Rose Quartz and Tourmaline. Tourmaline amplifies that protective energy of amethyst. Rose Quartz can can increase amethyst love vibrations. Aquamarine brings truth, tranquility and balancing flow to amethyst,  and it can and make a beautiful partnership for those who want to truly tap into their creative side. Citrine and Amethyst can create powerful heart connection.

Amethyst is the February birthstone and is considered the traditional gem for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

Close up image of an amethyst teardrop jewel
Amethyst teardrop jewel

Bishops wore amethyst jewelry as a status symbol, but now it is much more common and considered a semi precious stone.

Ancient Greeks wore amethyst stone for protection.

Today, many people wear amethyst necklaces, earrings and broaches.  Amethyst beads are often used to make bracelets that can be worn to preserve and surround a person with positive energy.


Amethyst and the chakras

Amethyst taps into the crown chakra at the top of the head also known as the third eye chakra. So when used in conjunction with meditation it can keep the third eye open and increase spiritual awareness.

Amethyst assists in receiving messages from divine spirit guides, angels and your higher self. Placing some amethyst on the third eye chakra I can stimulate it and boost meditative states

Woman holding amethyst on the crown chakra
Holding amethyst on the crown chakra

How to cleanse Amethyst?

There are a number of ways to cleanse your amethyst. Commonly used methods to cleanse amethyst are: moonlight, water, smudging, using other crystals or with intention. You can read more about these techniques for cleansing your amethyst stones in this article.

  • Moonlight: moonlight can be an excellent way to clear any negative energy from amethyst crystal. This is best done when the moonlight is strongest, so close to a full moon is the best time.
  • Water: Another good way to clean your amethyst is with salt water. a slat water batch for a period of hours can keep this stone clear of any stored negative energy.
  • Smudging: sacred smoke for sage or Palo Santo wood can be used to bathe the crystal and bring them to balance.
Sage crystal smudging stick resting in abalone shell
Sage crystal smudging stick
  • Other crystals: surrounding the amethyst with other crystals or placing the amethyst on a selenite plate can be a great way t restore its natural harmonic state. the strength of the other stone acts as a purifier.
  • Visualization: A very simple way to clear and also connect with your amethyst is to use visualization. You can hold it in your hands and picture the universe cleansing and revitalizing it for you. This can also be done if it's a larger stone and cannot be held in your hands.

How to charge Amethyst?

In the case of amethyst, the best way to charge or improve and restore the balance can be to keep it in the moonlight for a brief period of time as described above. Charging under the cleansing light energy of a full moon will activate selenite crystal’s spiritual power.

Sunlight can also be effective for this stone. A brief period in the direct sunlight can bring the amethyst back to balance and charge it full of pure light energy.

Both methods are adept at clearing and charging the amethyst. The mind and visualization to can aslo effectively be used to charge it with intentions.


Astrology and Amethyst

Anyone can use Amethyst and receive the natural benefits and its ability to clear negative energy. But there could be some extra amethyst zodiac stone benefit for these birth signs:

Image of zodiac wheel projected on the wall
Zodiac wheel projected on the wall
  1. Aquarius
  2. Cancer
  3. Capricorn
  4. Leo
  5. Pisces
  6. Sagittarius
  7. Scorpio
  8. Virgo

Summary

Amethyst gemstones have been found in many places around the world and are valued for their beauty and rarity. Due to the fact that it can be found more readily, amethyst is now considered a semi precious stone instead of a precious stone. But the alluring beauty of the dream stone called amethyst is well recognized.

Amethyst is known to be a beautiful and calming stone with a soft nature that invites us to tap into its calming energy. The mystical gem amethyst can be used as decoration in the home and as or as an energy healing and meditation tool.

Amethyst also has many healing properties, such as aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation. It is often used by those who suffer from chronic pain or health conditions such as arthritis, insomnia, or depression.

Advocates of amethyst stone powers suggest wearing amethyst because this way the power of amethyst helps no matter where you might be.

Amethyst is certainly associated with spirituality and the crown chakra. It has been said that these crystals can protect against psychic attack. Many people report that amethyst helps increase psychic abilities and facilitates contact with spirit guides.


Beyond Amethyst

Many things that may have been ignored and taken for granted may be found to have much higher purposes and significant potential benefits in our lives. In that light, it's quite possible that the alluring beauty and healing capacity of amethyst stone is just beginning to be understood.

Humanity is awakening to higher levels understanding and new realizations every day. The more we learn from our research into crystals and natural healing energies the more fascinated we become. It is likely that an amethyst stone benefit that is yet unknown, may be discovered in the near future. Stay tuned.


Information on numerous crystals and healing stones found here.

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