Amethyst’s shades of purple have served as a symbol of royalty throughout history. Pharaohs, kings and queens, as well as leading lights in religious sects have long treasured it because of its rich, royal colour. Known as the Bishop's Stone, amethyst is still worn by Catholic Bishops today.
Coloured by an interaction of iron and aluminum, amethyst is a variety of macrocrystalline quartz that occurs in transparent pastel roses to deep purples and violets.
Amethysts used for adornment can be traced back to the Minoan period in Greece (circa 2500 BC), where amethyst has been found as polished cabouchons set into gold rings. It was also popular in the 19th century as a favourite gem in art nouveau jewellery.
Amethyst is believed to symbolize piety, humility, sincerity and spiritual wisdom. It is also used as a dream stone to help insomnia.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and is the Zodiac stone for Pisces.
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