Amethyst
Gemstone Information.
Information * Loose
gemstones * Jewelry links
Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and
the gemstone for the 4th and 6th wedding anniversary. It
is derived from a Greek word meaning "not to intoxicate",
which led to the belief that drinking wine from an
amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness. Amethyst was
thought to protect soldiers, ensure victory, aid hunters,
protect against diseases, control evil thoughts, and
quicken ones intelligence. It is considered to be a
surface cure for headaches and toothaches; and is also
used to increase spirituality.
View
examples of cut amethyst below
and prices in our store section.
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ENHANCEMENT CODE E
Click to view AGTA
code.
PROPERTIES
Refractive Index 1.544-1.553
Hardness = 7 (Moh's Scale)
Specific Gravity = 2.66
Species - Quartz.
Optic Character -
Double Refraction.
Phenomena - None.
WARNINGS FOR CARE
Ultrasonic: Usually safe.
Steamer: Risky.
Heat: Poor; color change may occur with heat.
Chemicals that harm: Hydrofluoric acid, ammonium
fluoride.
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Crystal Structure
Crystal system: Hexagonal (trigonal), compact.
MAJOR SOURCES
Africa, South America |
Birthstones |
