Amethyst meaning: What are the properties of the crystal?
FEBRUARY'S birthstone has a long history of being a powerful crystal.
Amethyst is also a crystal that has an intriguing history, dating back to the ancient Greeks.
What are the properties of amethyst?
Amethyst is a variety of quartz characterized by its purple hue ranging from lilac to deep royal purple.
Its wine-like color inspired its name, which came from the Ancient Greek word 'ametusthos,' which meant "not intoxicated," as they believed the crystal could help protect you from getting drunk.
Like all quartz, amethyst is fairly hard, making it perfect to wear as jewelry, which humans have been doing for thousands of years.
Amethyst is often found in geodes within organic rocks. These geodes can be giant, with the largest amethyst geode ever found, named the Empress of Uruguay, measuring almost 11 feet tall.
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What is the spiritual meaning of amethyst?
Amethyst is thought to be a protective and healing crystal.
In many cultures, amethyst is used to help individuals suffering from stress and anxiety.
Some also use the crystal to help alleviate headaches and to help get rid of insomnia.
Amethyst is one of the most potent spiritual crystals and can help enhance spiritual awareness and protect individuals from psychic attacks.
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Historically, Ancient Greeks and Romans would drink out of cups made from amethyst in hopes that it would stop them from getting too drunk.
The Chinese often used amethyst to aid in Feng Shui to help absorb negative energy and to enhance wealth.
In the Middle Ages, English royalty would adorn themselves with amethyst, relating the crystal's purple color to the color of nobility.
While amethyst is considered a semi-precious stone today, the English, Russians, and other societies considered it one of the most precious.
How can I use amethysts to maximize their benefits?
If you'd like to test out the powers of amethyst crystals, the easiest way to do so is through jewelry.
Amethysts are hard enough to be made into beads that will survive the natural wear of a ring, amulet, or bracelet.
Another way to maximize the benefits of amethysts is to place them in and around your home.
You can also meditate with them, sleep with one by your bed if you have insomnia, or you can place one on your desk at work to get (or keep) the creative juices flowing.
How do I cleanse my amethyst?
As with most crystals, it's important to cleanse your amethyst regularly, as they absorb negative energies from other people and the atmosphere surrounding you.
Some ways to cleanse your amethyst may seem counterintuitive but remember that you're cleaning their energetic fields, not the stones themselves (for which water should be used).
You can use any of the methods below, but these are based on your sun sign.
If you are an Earth sign, you can bury your amethyst in soil or a salt bowl overnight.
You can leave your stones on an open window if you are an Air sign.
For fire signs, it's recommended that you use incense or herbs to clean your stones.
Finally, you can use plain water for water signs (and if you buried yours in dirt).
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Running water, particularly from somewhere in nature, is best, but if you've got a faucet, you can create your own stream.
Finally, you can re-charge your stone by leaving it outside or on a window sill during the next full moon.