Amethyst crystals have been treasured throughout history as a spiritual quartz that is beautiful, attractive and valuable. This precious stone was worth, at times in history, as much as a diamond.
The Ancient Egyptians worked amethysts into amulets as both a form of prayer and protection against harm. Amethyst is a semi-precious stone in today’s classifications, but to the Ancients it was a “Gem of Fire.”
Even today, Amethyst crystals are popular in many forms including raw stones, amethyst necklaces, rings, and other types of jewelry.
Superstition 1: Amethyst Crystal Used to Protect Against Drunkenness
The term “amethyst” comes from the Greek word “Amethystos” meaning “not intoxicated” or “sober.” They believed you could drink all night and remain sober if you had an amethyst in your mouth or on your person.
These spiritual crystals are wonderful for warding off bad habits such as drinking. Amethyst protective stones are wonderful protection against drunkenness because they strengthen your resolve. If you have already over consumed, alcohol will not confuse you the way it would otherwise, and you will be less likely to make foolish decisions or act out of character due to its influence on your mind.
The amethyst crystal is an excellent solution for getting rid of the cravings that come with alcoholism and other drinking vices. It will help you to remove those feelings that trigger your cravings, and replace them with feelings of serenity instead.
If you want to break a drinking habit but are having difficulty doing so, an amethyst crystal is the perfect solution for you. It will help to clear your mind of any desire to drink, and make it easier for you to stick with the decision that you have made not to do so.
Superstition 2: Saint Valentine and the Amethyst Stone
Some claim that Valentine wore a ring with an amethyst stone. According to legend, St. Valentine wore an amethyst ring carved with Cupid’s likeness. This may seem an unlikely pairing, given the gem’s reputation for calming passions. However, keep in mind that in Medieval times, chaste love was highly valued as true love. Amethysts signified this vision of love. Some claim that amethyst has helped them attract true love.
Amethyst Stones and Religious Meanings and Legends
Legend says his tears turned the colorless Quartz purple, thus creating Amethyst. Amethyst is mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel and was also one of the twelve gemstones adorning the breastplate of the high priest Aaron (Exodus 39).
The amethyst ring is an ancient symbol of power, nobility and spiritual devotion. It was first used by the Greeks to signify victory over death; later it became a Christian symbol for apostleship.
Ancient Greeks believed that their gods had resting places where they would go to rest after conquering wild battles in the sky. They believed that these gods would have amethyst jewelry to signify their rest after battle on earth.
Amethysts were given as prizes in athletic events and spiritual festivals, signifying victory over death itself.
Bronze statues made of amethyst guarded ancient Greek temples; only priests could pass by. It was believed that anybody who touched the statue would die, even if they were wearing an amethyst ring or necklace themselves.
Amethysts are sometimes called “the philosopher’s stone” because it was thought to turn copper into gold and silver, thus representing an unlimited source of wealth for whoever possessed this stone.
Egyptians Used Amethyst Stones to Protect Against Witchcraft
The ancient Egyptians believed the amethyst stone would protect them from evil. The purple-hued crystal was so valued by King Tutankhamen, he was buried with a bracelet featuring a large amethyst scarab attached to its center.
Furthermore, archaeologists said that amethysts were often worn as jewelry to guard against witchcraft and feelings of guilt and fear. Amethyst necklaces were especially popular in ancient Rome where they believed it warded off drunkenness.
The ancient Egyptians thought the stone protected them against evil and had healing powers.
Other Legends Around Amethyst Crystals
- Students are supposed to wear amethyst while taking a test. It was believed to make the wearer more intelligent. Amethyst necklaces can be worn as a talisman to ease anxiety.
- Many believe blue amethyst brings peace of mind and inner harmony. Some claim that amethyst helps them recall dreams and focus thoughts.
- In the late 1400s, Italian Renaissance artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci wrote that amethyst sharpens intelligence and decreases harmful thoughts.
- Amethyst was believed to protect the wearer from lung diseases.
- Gifting amethyst jewelry shows lasting love. The wearer will not betray you in matters of the heart.
- Place an amethyst under the pillow to prevent bad dreams.
- An ages-old cure for an ages-old affliction – rubbing a moistened amethyst on pimples is said to cure them.
- Medieval Europeans believed amethysts keep people calm and heal injuries, so soldiers would often wear amulets into battle and were even buried with them.
Video: Close up view through a loupe of raw Amethyst crystal. From Minerals Collection.