The birthstone of February, Amethyst is a common variety of Quartz that is easily one of the most recognisable gemstones on the planet. With its spectacular purple colour, that ranges from deep violet to light lilac, it complements both warm and cool colours allowing it to be set beautifully in both silver and gold metals.

The Colour

Our ancestors would have only experienced the colour purple within nature on very fleeting occasions. In our modern world, it's easy to take for granted so many things without even knowing we're doing so. For instance; we've all grown up with access to all the colours in the spectrum, but it wasn't always so. The scarcity of the colour purple in the natural world made Amethyst truly extraordinary. The colour purple is synonymous with magic and royalty, so it's no surprise that Amethyst was seen as a talisman of magic and mysticism.

The rich purple colour comes from a high content of iron in the Quartz mineral. It can be found all over the world, typically in volcanic areas and is the second most common material found in our Earth’s crust. Despite how readily available Amethyst is, that has not diminished its popularity or beauty.

Look 1: Lana Earrings, Amethyst Pendant - 8 and Amethyst Feather Wrap Ring

Amethyst through the Ages

Quartz crystals resonate at a high frequency and Amethyst, in particular, is known for dispelling negative energy. Known for powers of protection, healing and assistance.

The word Amethyst comes from the Greek word “Amethustos” and it translates to “sober” or “not intoxicated”. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed Amethyst would ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus; God of Wine and Agriculture, keeping them clear-headed. So strong was their belief that they routinely made wine goblets out of amethyst!

Catholic Bishops historically wore amethyst rings to ward off mystical intoxication, and this tradition coined the nickname “Bishop’s Stone”. It was also thought that kissing the Amethyst in the ring could transfer that same protection to others.

Travellers wore this jewel to attain protection from robbery or other harmful and unexpected experiences. Whereas, Egyptians used Amethyst in their burial rites to offer protection to the deceased for their travels in the after-life. 

Look 2: Eternal Soul Dreamcatcher in Amethyst, Eternal Soul Earrings in Amethyst and Amethyst Feather Wrap Ring

Spiritual Meaning and Use

The wearing of Amethyst can provide us with balance and help keep us grounded, connected to the Earth. The colour purple itself represents the balancing of two opposing forces - tranquil calming blues and fiery passionate reds. Amethyst works with the Crown Chakra to facilitate clear thinking, logic, temperance and creativity.

We just love way the purple can be mixed with other stone, and pair beautifully with our Hilltribe Silver and Sterling Silver jewellery, to create a unique statement in luxe boho fashion!

Care instructions: Although Amethyst is known to be a self cleansing crystal, it's still a good practice to offer it some routine maintenance. There are many ways to cleanse Amethyst; the most common is to leave it in the light of the full moon overnight. Whilst moonlight is great for cleansing all crystals, sunlight is a different story. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear your jewels out in the sun but, keep in mind that Amethyst’s signature purple colour can fade if left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time so it's important to store your jewels in a safe manner away from direct sunlight.

Look 3: Deep Purple Dreamcatcher, Goddess Amethyst Dream and Amethyst Feather Wrap Ring

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