![]() ![]() ![]() However, the most beautiful of all crystal quartzes also posed one or two riddles for the scientists, and indeed they still haven't been completely solved to this day. It was the stone of bishops and cardinals we find it in prelates' crosses and in the so-called Papal Ring (Italian, 15th century) in the Jewellery Museum in Pforzheim. But the amethyst not only had a firm niche in medicine it was also esteemed as a stone of friendship.Īnd since it was thought to put the wearer in a chaste frame of mind and symbolise trust and piety, the amethyst came to occupy a very prominent position in the ornaments of the Catholic clergy over the centuries. Apart from these powers, gemstone therapists say that the amethyst has a sobering and cleansing effect.Īmethyst has also been said to quell excessive stomach acid and, according to Hildegard von Bingen, served to combat insect bites and beautify the skin. Later, Hieronymus even reported that eagles placed an amethyst in their nest in order to protect their young from the selfsame danger. A little study of the works of Pliny will reveal that this gemstone, if worn round the neck on a cord made from dog's hair, affords protection against snakebite. It was said to protect crops against tempests and locusts, bring good fortune in war and in the hunt, drive out evil spirits and inspire the intellect. In popular belief, the amethyst offers protection against drunkenness - for the Greek words 'amethystos' mean 'not intoxicated' in translation.Ī more apt stone for the month of February, particularly if there is to be plenty going on in the way of carnival celebrations, could thus hardly be wished for.Ī large number of further miraculous powers are attributed to the amethyst in all sorts of cultures. ![]() Moses described it as a symbol of the Spirit of God in the official robes of the High Priest of the Jews, and the Russian Empress Catherine the Great sent thousands of miners into the Urals to look for it. For many thousands of years, the most striking representative of the quartz family has been a jewel coveted by princes both ecclesiastical and secular. Its colour is as unique as it is seductive, though in fact this gemstone of all gemstones is said to protect its wearer against seduction. ![]()
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