10 Interesting Facts About The Amethyst Gemstone

Argentium silver textured ring with amethyst gemstone by artist Lisa Ramos
Gemstone Guide • Amethyst

Facts About the Amethyst Gemstone

If you are looking for a gorgeous purple colored gemstone, an amethyst is a wonderful choice. Many jewelers design with this gemstone because of its purple beauty and affordability.

To better understand an amethyst, let's take a look at the history behind the stone, its meaning, the color options, and how to care for the gemstone.

Birthstone: February
Gem Type: Semi-precious
Durability: 7 Mohs
Gem Family: Quartz
Argentium silver amethyst gemstone pendant necklace handmade by Lisa Ramos
Argentium® Silver Amethyst Gemstone Necklace Handmade by Jewelry Artist Lisa Ramos. This design features a faceted amethyst gemstone that highlights the stone’s rich purple hue in a sculpted silver setting.

Where Was the First Amethyst Gemstone Found?

The first amethyst gemstone was found approximately 25,000 years ago in France.

How Do You Clean an Amethyst?

An amethyst gemstone can be cleaned with warm soapy water. In many cases, cleaning your amethyst in an ultrasonic cleaner is fine. Avoid using a steam cleaning system on the gemstone.

What Are the Color Options of an Amethyst?

Amethyst is a crystalline quartz and is known for its purple hues. Amethyst gemstone colors range from light, pinkish-purple stones to deep grape tones.

What Is the Meaning of an Amethyst Gemstone?

Amethyst is named for the Greek word for “sober,” and is believed to remedy drunkenness. This crystal is credited with relieving stress and promoting peace of mind.

Amethyst gemstone close-up Amethyst gemstone – known for its beautiful purple hues.

What Is the Largest Amethyst in the World?

The largest amethyst in the world is the Empress of Uruguay geode. It stands about 3.27 meters high and weighs approximately 2.5 tons. The gemstone was discovered in 2007 in the Artigas department of Uruguay by the Uruguayan mining company Le Stage Minerals.

Where Do Amethyst Gemstones Come From?

Amethyst gemstones are found throughout the world. They come from Brazil, Uruguay, Canada, and the United States – including Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Texas, Maine, and Colorado. The majority of amethyst gemstones are sourced from Brazil and Uruguay.

Is an Amethyst a Precious Gemstone?

An amethyst is not considered a precious gemstone. The four precious gemstones include the diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald. Amethyst is classified as a semi-precious gemstone.

What Birthstone Month Is an Amethyst?

An amethyst is the traditional and modern birthstone for the month of February – Birthstone colors & meanings .

How Strong Is an Amethyst Gemstone?

An amethyst is considered a durable gemstone. It is a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale . The Mohs scale measures the hardness of various minerals from 1 through 10 – one being the softest and ten the hardest.

How Much Does an Amethyst Cost?

How much an amethyst costs depends on the quality, size, and color of the stone. Amethyst gemstones can start around $20–$50 per carat. The highest-valued amethysts are often referred to as “Siberian quality.” This type of amethyst exhibits red and blue flashes within a deep purple color.

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Jewelry Designer Lisa Ramos - MONOLISA Collection Handmade in California

About Jewelry Designer Lisa Ramos

This blog article is written by California Jewelry Designer Lisa Ramos who creates one-of-a-kind and limited edition jewelry and leather handbags in her Clayton, California studio.

Lisa is a member of the International Gem Society (IGS) , the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) , and the Argentium Silver Guild .


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