Derived from the Greek “amethystos”, which means “not drunken”, amethyst was believed to prevent drunkenness. Once highly regarded among precious gemstones like ruby and emerald, discoveries of huge amethyst deposits since the 1800’s have made amethyst fairly inexpensive and easy to obtain. Although there are other gemstones that come in purple, such as sapphires and tanzanite, amethyst is the gemstone most commonly associated with this color.

Popular legend has it that amethyst was created when the wine god Bacchus drenched a crystallized maiden with the juice of the grape. Perhaps that’s why it was believed to prevent drunkenness, particularly if the drinker used an amethyst cup.

Amethyst was also considered a cure for headaches, toothaches, gout and protection from poisoning and the plague.

Seen as a protective and healing stone, it is considered a symbol of purity that brings out the best intentions and abilities in the wearer. A gift of amethyst is a gift of protection, familial love, and respect.

Amethyst is stimulating to the crown and third eye (brow) chakras.