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 "Cavern Splendor"
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 Pendant (stalactite) close-up
 Amethyst
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"Cavern Splendor - I"
Item No. 2006-003
A cross-section "slice" of a stalactite from Uruguay. The dead-center is agate, surrounded by concetric rings of yellow and white quartz, with amethyst at the outer perimeter. 2.5" in diameter. The stalactite is wire-wrapped in sterling silver and strung on a chain of amethyst beads and sterling silver spacers.
Amethyst (SiO2) is the most valuable transparent, coarse-grained variety of the silica mineral quartz that is valued as a semiprecious gem for its violet color. It contains more iron oxide (Fe2O3)than any other variety of quartz, and experts believe that its color arises from its iron content. Other theories attribute the color to contained manganese or hydrocarbons. All forms of quartz (including amethyst) are piezoelectric, making for important applications in electronics.
Amethyst derives its name from Middle English amatist, from Old French, from Latin amethystus, from Greek amethustos, meaning not drunk or intoxicating.
Amethyst is the birthstone of Aquarius (Water Bearer): Jan. 20 - Feb. 18. The story of the origin of amethyst comes from Greek legends: The god of wine, Bacchus, was insulted one day by a mere mortal. He swore the next mortal that crossed his path, would be attacked by his fierce tigers. Along came a beautiful maiden named Amethyst. Goddess Diana turned Amethyst in a beautiful statue of quartz to save her from the tigers claws. Remorseful Bacchus wept tears of wine over the stone maiden, creating a lively purple stone.
Purple color has long been considered a royal color, so it is not surprising that amethyst has been so popular through the history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. There is evidence that around 3,000 B. C. in Egypt and in interior Asia jewels of amethyst were made. The amethyst is perhaps as popular today as it was in ancient time.
Amethyst is thought to magnify psychic abilities and right-brain activity, and strengthen immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Amethyst is believed to relieve headaches and improve blood sugar imbalance.
The Greek work "amethystos" basically can be translated as "not drunken" , expresses the ancient folk belief that the stone protects its owner against drunkenness. As the myth goes, drinking wine from an Amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming inebriated. The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety.
Amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy. Because of that, amethyst was very important in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. Bishops still often wear amethyst rings. Amethyst is associated with a number of superstitions, being regarded as a love charm, and as a protection against thieves. In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it.
Placed under the pillow at night, the beautiful amethyst is believed to produce a calm and peaceful sleep. Amethyst is given as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind.
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