Amethyst Gemstones - Everyone's Favorite Purple Gemstone

The amethyst is extravagance and elegance in purple. Think regal. Amethyst was the stone of bishops and cardinals, kings and queens and has a long history in jewelry. Centuries ago it was sometimes carved into sculptured forms. Millennia ago, drinking cups were made of amethyst in the belief that they would prevent intoxication and amethyst amulets were often worn to protect against drunkenness. Some think it makes the wearer more gentle and amiable and that it can bring healing, love, courage and happiness.


Some people love amethyst because of its beautiful color. It is probably the most valued member of the quartz family. Top quality amethyst is a deep purple or deep medium purple with flashes of red and pink. Once you have seen a top quality amethyst, you will never forget the exquisite color. I have one client that wears a 40 carat checkerboard cut amethyst ring and it is a ring no one forgets. One of the best things about amethyst is that they are very affordable even in large sizes.

Birthstone Gem
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the astrological stone for Aquarius. As a member of the quartz family, it is very wearable with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It is found inside geodes as well as in loose (alluvial) soil. When I was at the Tucson Gem Show I saw huge geodes, one of which reportedly sold for $150,000. I have seen table bases made out of amethyst geodes and they are stunning.


Gold Gemstone Jewelry
But I think most people would rather think something wearable when they think amethyst. The good news is that amethyst is a very affordable gemstone. At AfricaGems.com we carry loose free sizes and calibrated sizes. We also carry beautiful amethyst rings, for example the two shown here. Our loose amethyst gemstones (and our set amethysts) are the best quality natural amethyst available.

Natural Gemstones
Because amethyst is the birthstone for February, we are proud to offer a
25% birthstone discount off our already low prices for all our amethysts rings and loose amethysts.
Click here to check out our loose amethysts or click here to check out our amethyst rings. Be sure to use the code amethyst2010 at checkout.