Amethyst

Amethyst is a naturally occurring gemstone that has a trigonal crystal structure, amethyst being a form of quartz. Quartz is the common name for the crystal form of silicon dioxide whose chemical formula is SiO₂. Amethyst is easily recognised by its structure and purple colouring colour. It exists in a full range of shades of purple, from almost colourless to dark purple.

Amethyst is a very popular crystal and is one of the most well-known forms of quartz. It is especially common among the crystal collections of people interested in energy work, healing (especially crystal healing and work with chakras), and "New Age" pursuits generally.

Amethysts are sometimes associated with:

• the astrological signs of
  • Pisces
  • Virgo
  • Aquarius
  • Capricorn
• Spirituality
• Meditation
• Protection (against psychic attacks)
• the number 3.

The amethyst is a relatively common gemstone that is found in a wide range of locations worldwide. Examples of locations of sources of amethysts include places in:

• Africa
• Brazil
• Canada
• Colorado (USA)
• Mexico
• Oregon (USA)
• Siberia
• Uruguay

See also the main IvyRose Holistic section about Crystals & Gemstones.

Further information about crystals includes an overview of some of the forms of crystals and gemstones, 'families' of crystals and the gemstones associated with signs of the zodiac.