Amethyst is the purple stone most people picture when they think of gemstones. It comes in shades from pale lilac to deep violet, and it shows up in jewelry boxes all over the world. Here is what it actually is, what people have said about it for centuries, and how to look after it.
What amethyst is
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. That puts it at about 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is hard enough for everyday jewelry. The color runs from soft lavender to a rich, dark purple, and the deeper, evenly colored stones are usually the more prized.
The name comes from the Greek word *amethystos*, which is usually translated as "not intoxicated." Ancient Greeks and Romans wore it, and some drank from amethyst cups, because they believed it kept a clear head.
What amethyst traditionally means
Over the centuries amethyst has been linked with calm, clear thinking and balance. It is also the traditional birthstone for February. These are traditional beliefs, and we share them as lore. They aren't medical claims, and a stone isn't a substitute for professional care. If you like the idea of a stone for calm, an amethyst bracelet is a pleasant reminder to slow down. You can read about other stones in our gemstone meanings guide.
Types of purple quartz you might see
- Deep amethyst: rich, saturated purple, the classic look.
- Pale lavender amethyst: a softer, lilac shade, sometimes sold as Rose de France.
- Ametrine: a natural mix of amethyst and citrine in one stone.
Some citrine on the market is amethyst that has been heated, and some very uniform purple beads are treated or dyed. A seller should tell you. Our guide to real vs fake gemstone beads has the questions to ask.
Amethyst pieces from Ellie
The Yellow Agate Pendant & Amethyst Necklace strings amethyst beads with grey zebra agate and yellow agate, with silver-tone spacers and a large teardrop pendant of yellow agate. It measures 28 inches (71 cm). The Seven Chakra Bracelet with Tiger Eye uses small flat beads in seven colors, amethyst among them, with a large oval tiger eye. The Citrine & Quartz Drop Choker is a wire-worked choker in citrine, amethyst and smoky quartz with freshwater pearls and crystal, centered on a large polished clear-quartz drop.
Yellow Agate Pendant & Amethyst Necklace$270 CAD
Seven Chakra Bracelet with Tiger Eye$65 CAD
Citrine & Quartz Drop Choker$280 CAD
How to care for amethyst
Amethyst can fade if it sits in strong sunlight or heat for a long time, so store it out of direct sun. Put it on after perfume and lotion, wipe it with a soft dry cloth, and keep it away from harsh cleaners. Our care guide covers the rest.
Browse every piece
Everything is one of a kind and handmade by Ellie. See the full jewelry collection.
Related reading
- Rose quartz meaning: what it is and what it stands for
- Agate meaning and types
- Healing stones and their meanings: a plain guide
- Gemstone jewelry gifts for her: ideas by budget and occasion
Gemstone jewelry by Ellie
Every piece is one of a kind, strung and wired by hand in Canada.
Explore the jewelry →Sources used: general gemology references for quartz hardness and the name's Greek origin; Ross-Simons and HowStuffWorks stone guides for traditional meanings.