What is Amethyst?

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. It is part of the hexagonal crystal system. Amethyst is a semiprecious stone with a vitreous or glassy luster. It often comes in shades of violet and purple. The meaning of Amethyst is spiritual healing, calmness, and wisdom. 

What does Amethyst mean?

Amethyst takes its name from the Greek word for ‘not intoxicated’. This means that the gemstone has a reputation for bringing clarity, balance, serenity and sweet decision making that is unmarred by panic or external chaos. This is why Amethyst is such a popular stone for those who want to stay connected to their own sense of wisdom and completely chill no matter what life throws at them.

Everyone's Favorite Stone

• Beloved since 25,000 BC
• Connects the concrete with the divine
• Takes its color from the tears of Dionysus

For those who want to know how to use amethyst in healing; this potent and pretty stone is sure to sweep everyone off their feet and leave all those who wear her gorgeously grounded at the same time. Said to be the bridge that connects the concrete with the divine - the meaning of Amethyst has long been synonymous with spirituality and is famed for its close association with both the third eye and the crown chakra.

Tracing the lineage of this luminous stone, ancient civilizations have been celebrating the amethyst crystal since 25,000 BC. From the Greeks to the Romans and even the Egyptians, everyone was drawn to the deep healing powers the amethyst stone emanated.

From the ice blasted corners of Siberia to the sultry rainforests of Brazil, Amethyst can be found across the globe. Amethyst means ‘not intoxicated’ and comes from the ancient Greek word – Amethystos. The Greeks, recognizing the grounding poignancy of the stone, thought they could use the crystal to protect them against intoxication and that wearing amethyst would keep them from falling down drunk.

Ever awash with the magic of mythos, there are tales of Amethyst earning its hue from the blood-red wine tears of Dionysus. The story goes that Amethyst was actually a young virgin who found herself on the receiving edge of the Gods wrath when he was drunk. The young girl cried out to the Goddess Diana for help and the Goddess turned her into a shimmering pale stone. When Dionysus realized his folly, he wept into his wine glass and in his emotion overturned his goblet. The white stone soaked up the wine until it glowed a gentle purple hue.

Gods and Goddesses aside, theAmethyst meaning echoes through. Drunken behavior is often associated with a muddy mind, high emotions and clumsy decisions. As the antidote to this, Amethyst is therefore associated with crystal clear clarity, deep contemplation, and a sense of control over life.

For those who find they are also pulled towards the soft purples and lavender hues of this glowing amulet, let’s delve a little deeper and unravel all the secrets of the amethyst stone so everyone can reap the benefits of bringingbeautiful gemstones into their life…

Amethyst Stone Benefits

 The Amethyst crystal glitters across the spectrum; this purplish stone can be pale pink in hue or as deep and violet as a dream. The mineral quartz is rarely a constant, one stone can hold a whole host of varying shades and for this reason, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful crystal quartzes in the world. Far from a stagnant stone, Amethyst can change with the rise and fall of the light or when placed in different temperatures. It evolves with the body, and because of this, it is closely connected to our conscious experience of this life.

Ranging from the simple to the sublime; there are endless Amethyst stone benefits that cover the mind, the body, and the soul. Here are just a few reasons to keep Amethyst close by…

Physical Healing Properties

• Encourages sleep and rest
• Clears the mind 
• Boosts the immune system

On a physical level, Amethyst also associated with healthy cell regeneration, encouraging soothing sleep and rest, and promoting hormonal balance. As Amethyst helps balance metabolism and positively serves the endocrine system, the body finds its inner harmony and doesn’t go too crazy on the cortisol production – which dramatically cuts down on stress and tension. Along with all of this, the purplish hue of Amethyst also ensures that the body, mind and soul remain cleansed and detoxified. For those who struggle with a foggy head or migraines, then Amethyst can also help clear those clouds away.

For those who struggle to cut down on their drinking, Amethyst encourages the wearer to keep a sober mind. It’s a stone that serves as a reminder that luminous thoughts and a level head are needed for making the right choices in life and that by muddying the mind, it can be tricky to see the path that makes the most sense.

A beautiful purple boost to the immune system; the Amethyst gemstone is also known for its staggering ability to help the body become fighting fit and to fend off ailments and diseases that wreak havoc on a person’s health and wellbeing. By lending a purifying nature to the blood and effectively reducing stress and anxiety levels, the immune system takes a boost meaning everything from the respiratory system to the skin can find higher levels of power to heal.

Finally, for those who suffer the physical challenge of falling into a delicious dark and restful slumber, having Amethyst close by during the wind-down hours of sleep can also ensure that the wearer doesn’t stay up all night. A stone known for aiding the struggle of insomnia, Amethyst amazes with its ability to bring plentiful rest and power.

Emotional Healing Properties

 

• Calm and clarity
• Sweeps away negativity
• Helps with decision making

At a base level, Amethyst is renowned for bringing a sense of calm and clarity to our chaotic world. Those who keep Amethyst close will find that they feel comforted, grounded and soothed in a truly uplifting way. Because Amethyst centers the emotions, it can be a beautiful aide in recovery for those suffering from the overwhelming emotions that come with grief, loss and all shades of sadness. Thanks to its divine spirituality, it’s a great stone for reminding people not to fear the unknown.

Death could be considered a transition, a change, and a leap to a higher realm and while of course there is grief in letting go of someone who is loved, there is also life to be celebrated and memories to be most cherished. Amethyst reminds us that in spirituality, there is also balance – it isn’t all about bypassing the negative and thinking that spiritual awakening leads to only positive thinking, but also recognizing the darkness and honoring it without holding it forever in the heart.

It also works wonderfully for those who tend to be quick to anger as it effectively dissipates the growth of rage and replaces it with a halo of serenity that can be hard to cut through.

While Amethyst works to sweep negativity away from clouding the mind, it also seems to trigger a spark that unveils our deepest wells of inspiration. When our mind is calm and focused we are able to tap into our creative mind and unveil all those ideas and interests that were stashed behind the wall of inner chaos.

Nurturing meditation, encouraging restful sleep, clearing away the cobwebs, and helping us to divine our deeper paths through life, Amethyst promotes deep transformation in our lives. When we make space within for peaceful courage, we are able to follow the map of our own making and to pursue the things that will serve us.

For those who struggle with the art of decision making, Amethyst can also help to harness the inner power needed to make choices that work for the individual. Life throws up all kinds of challenges and this can sometimes leave people in a state of freeze, unsure of which way to turn. Amethyst gently reminds the wearer that all is not lost and they have the inner sight, knowledge and wisdom they need to pick a path to walk down.

For those who tend to be a little hot-headed in arguments, Amethyst can also help to bring the wearer back down to a calm and collected state of mind. It’s a great stone for aiding in family and relationship dynamics as it supports a level head and comes from a place of love.

Metaphysical Properties

• Connects to the crown chakra
• Invites the third eye to open
• Protects the mind from dark magic

For those who are looking to leap higher into their spiritual awakening, Amethyst is one of the most important stones in the healing pack. It is strongly associated with the crown chakra and is even said to bridge the gap between the physical and the spiritual realms.

The third eye chakra is known for being one of the most powerful intuitive tools to have in the pack. Everyone has the gift of intuition, it's all about how they harness it. As Amethyst kindles the third eye to awaken, it grants the sixth sense to bloom into being. In eastern philosophy, it is said that the third eye is the spiritual center of a person’s existence. It's also responsible for how people perceive reality and how open they are to opening the door and stepping out into spiritual enlightenment. The color associated with the third eye chakra is indigo which also links to the color of Amethyst. When the third eye chakra is blocked, people may struggle with feelings of depression and anxiety, and maybe feel the weight of cynicism heavy on their soul. By awakening the third eye, one can awaken intuition, let their inner wisdom flow, and invite the sparkle back to their imagination.

The crown chakra is the sacred energy center and also intricately connected with the Amethyst stone. Its where the cosmic consciousness sits and is where people receive those much-needed messages from the universe and the connection to the cosmos. When the crown chakras power is untapped or there is a block, people may feel alienated or disconnected from the world around them. They may feel their ego gets in the way too much. When the crown chakra is open and ready to receive, there is balance, wellbeing, deeper connection and a working confidence in one own’s wisdom.

With a long history as an amulet for protection it’s no surprise that Amethyst works to counteract the negative energies of external environments. Amethyst can ward of physical attacks; lending protection against misfortune. On a spiritual level it also helps protect the mind against black magic and emotional manipulation.

 

Zodiac Birthstone

• The birthstone for Aquarians
• Works for Pisces 

The purple Amethyst makes its connection with the zodiac sign for pisces. Associated with the month of February; a calendar turn brimming with love and the chill winds of the end of winter, Amethyst brings love, light and its crowning calm to see the wearer through until the first rites of spring.

The violet mellow energy is a dreamy match for the nature of the Pisces. Those with creative spirits, deep empathy, and a penchant for spiritual sojourns. The healing powers of Amethyst tap into all of that and so much more. Yet, sometimes the greatest strength of the self is also the greatest weakness. With high levels of empathy, Pisces can sometimes bite off more than they should chew and can make themselves sad and burnt out in the process. Having this precious stone at their side ensures that while lending a sympathetic ear is fine, they don’t lose themselves in the pitfalls of the problems of others but stay spiritually grounded to their own journey.

Pisces are born under the planet of Uranus, a planet that is known for being progressive and forward-thinking. The god of the sky and heavens, Uranus is all about embracing the spark of intuition, saying yes to enlightenment, and stepping forward in individual freedom. Having the Amethyst on side for this serves to protect and encourage the spirit and serves as a reminder that while change should always be embraced, it should be done with clear-seeing eyes and the gift of illumination.

Amethyst is the birthstone for Aquarians, those cool and collected water-bearers of the world. Another visionary star-sign, those born under the sign of Aquarius are known for seeing deeply, high levels of intellect, and for not being afraid of using their assertive nature. While they have a reputation for being a little bit too analytical and perhaps slightly chilly, the Amethyst makes a great companion when it comes to balancing out the water bearers by bringing its calm communication skills to the table and inviting Aquarians to keep the best of their nature.

 

How to Use The Stones

• Wear for serenity and flow
• Use for meditation
• Creates a calm space in the home

Nature's tranquilizer instantly soothes whatever space it is placed in. For those who want to know how to use Amethyst to reach their fullest potential, these tips will ensure that everyone gets the best from this beautiful stone…

Jewelry

Wearing an Amethyst crystal is one of the best ways to ensure the crown chakra and third-eye chakra are always inflow. Amethyst jewelry is popular and with so much variety, it's easy to choose a piece that slips seamlessly into any kind of lifestyle. Amethyst bracelets, bangles, worry stones, and pendants are a good investment as they can be worn every day. Having Amethyst pressed against the skin may also be the most potent way to embrace the healing energy. Bare skin invites the stone to release its vibrations directly into the body, amplifying its power and ensuring that those who choose Amethyst are ever getting the best out of their self-care investment.

Amethyst is one of the best crystals to use as a meditation aid. The stone hums with an energy that encourages the monkey mind to surrender and be still. With Amethyst close by during meditation the third eye and crown chakra are sure to open, clearing the way for the powers of the universe to seep straight through and give guidance. For those who aren’t wearing an Amethyst amulet, hold a piece or cluster of Amethyst in the left-hand during meditation.

Other stones that marry well with Amethyst are Tourmaline for amplifying that protective energy. Rose Quartz can also be a great companion to Amethyst as it's able to truly add to those loving vibes. Amethyst and Aquamarine also bring truth, tranquility and balancing flow and make a beautiful partnership for those who want to truly tap into their creative side. For those seeking a bright burst of energy at all times, Citrine and Amethyst create an eternal summer of the heart.

Home & Office

For those who want to bring healing into the home or workspace, build an altar with Amethyst at the center. Placing the stone in situ in a space that is usually associated with tension can help busy bees to be less frantic and stressed about their work. Instead, it will help to focus and re-center the mind so that concentration can come better, reduce procrastination and find inspiration.

Amethyst can be used in the home to help build upon the free flow of Feng Sui. Being associated strongly with yin energy, it is a beautiful balancing tool. Placed in the office it helps attune to inner creativity, placed in the bedroom it nurtures deep soulful sleep and placed in family areas it works wonder at absorbing strains of negativity and transmuting these energies into something positive.

 

How to Cleanse Stones and Jewelry

• Cleanse with sound or smudge
• Charge with moonlight

Part of knowing how to use Amethyst means knowing how to care for this crystal so that it continues to bring health, wonder and complete wellness. From clearing to daily care tips, these are the small ways to keep the crown stone shimmering with strength and light…

As crystals collect energies it's important to keep them cleared and clean so that they don’t become off-kilter. As beautiful absorbing sponges, healing crystals can change their tune to vibrate with the frequency it has picked up in the healing session. When knocked off its own frequency, this means that it doesn’t oscillate properly and will, therefore, be less effective.

Clearing this crystal after a healingsession or after someone else has handled it is important to keep it healthy and fresh. One way to clear crystals is with vocal toning. While it’s not important to hit an exact note, it’s important to hold the Amethyst, take a deep breath and envision something that fills the soul with clear pure energy. With the exhale, make a tonal sound that communicates this. It is also common to use a singing bowl, gong or drum instead of the voice.

The jury is out whether Amethyst needs to be charged or not, especially if kept cleared as much as possible. But charging the crystal will do no harm as Amethyst is beautifully aligned with the universe. Placing it outside at night once in a while, in the light of the moon will gift the Amethyst stone the lunar energy it needs. The cold can also work wonders for charging the stone so a simple method is to place it in the refrigerator or chilled space overnight.

 

Final Thoughts on Amethyst

For those who want to spark their spirituality, bring peace and harmony back into their world, and rebalance their chakras – Amethyst is the perfect stone to keep close by. Being a tool that is used extensively on the road to healing and higher plains of consciousness, Amethyst will accentuate the most peaceful persona, help someone to find space in the universe, and invites the wearer to leap higher.

Although named purple Amethysts, they can come enriched in a variety of shades under that umbrella. Some Amethysts will be as dark purple as the brushed summer sky, others will be a pale indigo wash and for those who seek a gentler stone – Lavender Amethyst feels as fresh and serene as the sprawling perfumed fields of Provence. From an Amethyst cluster, singular stone for the alter, or a piece of highly energized Amethyst jewelry to press against the skin and infuse the soul with knowledge, wellness and spiritual wonder – just having this purple orb close by is a beautiful payoff for complete emotional balance.

There’s a reason this stone has been used for centuries and centuries, from the Romans who believed the indigo hues would save them from drunken debauchery to Catherine the Great who adorned herself in the healing vibes, Tibetan Buddhists who long linked the gentle stone with the nature of the Buddha, and the Egyptians who sent their dead into the afterlife with the protective gem to guide them - long has the amethyst been linked with magic and mysticism. But unravel the fables, and there is a gift from the earth to connect the mind with the heavens. Amethyst is all about finding a serene spot within, to be able to stand with strength in this complicated world.