Countries of origin: USA, UK, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, East Africa, Siberia, India
Hardness on Mohs scale: 7
Rarity: Very common
Zodiac Signs: Pisces, Aquarius, Virgo and Capricorn
Birthstone Month: February
Chakras: Third eye, soma, crown, higher crown
Planets: Jupiter, Neptune
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Amethyst meaning
Traditionally amethyst was worn to prevent drunkenness, in fact the name amethyst is derived from the Greek phrase "to be intoxicated".
What does amethyst look like?
This is a translucent crystal (meaning you can see light but not shapes through it). It varies from a pale to a deep, almost black purple in colour. Amethyst is an extremely popular crystals and it is common to see it in all forms from massive geodes to tiny beads.
What is amethyst used for today and in the past?
Egyptians wore amulets for protection in the afterlife, to protect them from feelings of guilt and fear and also for protection from witchcraft. Evidence shows amethyst was used in Egypt as long ago as 4000 BC.
It was used in ancient China to drive away the hazards of daily life and remove negative energies.
In the UK the colour purple was associated with royalty, wealth and power. Both the British and the Russians decorated their royal crowns with amethyst.
Many holy men would wear amethyst rings for protection. Catholic bishops wore amethyst jewellery to protect them from being drunk.
Romans believed that drinking wine in a cup adorned with amethyst would protect them from becoming drunk.
Buddhists use amethyst beads in their meditation practices.
Today, amethyst continues to be one of, if not, the most popular crystals available. It is loved for both it’s striking colour and amazing healing properties. A true favourite among many.
Amethyst is readily available in many forms from huge geodes to tiny minimalist stud earrings and everything in between.
What does the Bible say about amethyst?
Amethyst is mentioned in the Bible several times and was seen as a precious stone. It appears as the third stone in the third row of the High Priest’s breastplate and a stone in the foundations of the new Jerusalem.
Cleansing and charging amethyst
All crystals should be cleansed when you first get them and then regularly after that. They should also be charged to keep them at their full power.
Two of the most common ways to cleanse crystals is with water and with sunlight.
Can amethyst get wet?
Amethyst is safe to put in water. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale water will not damage this stone.
Can amethyst go in sunlight?
Amethyst can go in the sun but being too long in direct sun will can cause it’s colour to fade. This is not reversable but will not change it’s healing properties or strength. There are other ways to charge your crystals which does not risk colour fading for a more comprehensive guide check out this blog post: How to Cleanse and Charge Crystals
Amethyst healing properties
Physical healing properties
- Improves neural transmission and hearing disorders
- Soothes physical pain, burns, swellings, bruises and headaches
- Supports the respiratory tract, immune system, lungs and blood
- Cleanses organs
- Assists with regulating flora
- Removes parasites
- Aids the reabsorption of water
Emotional and mental healing properties
- Calms rage, stress and anger
- Eases emotional pain, insomnia and addiction
- Boosts motivation, focus and memory
- Assists with decision making and balancing of emotions
- Alleviates grief, fear, anxiety and reoccurring nightmares
Metaphysical properties
- Encourages selflessness and awareness
- Assists with the development of psychic abilities, mediumship, telekinesis, astral projection and intuition
- Brings spiritual wisdom
- Aids dream recall and visualisation
Amethyst Affimations
Affirmations are a great tool to use alongside crystals. They can be used to set your intention and further personalise your journey of healing and growth. Firstly, decide which of the many properties of amethyst you feel is needed in your life at this current time. Next, write down your affirmation as if it has already happening, in the present tense. Remember your affirmation must be positive, for example rather than “I do not have anger issues”, instead write “I am calm and in control of my emotions”.
Here are some examples you can use:
Where do you put amethyst in your home?
Amethyst works well anywhere in the home with it’s calming, focusing and motivating energy. It is readily available to buy as large geodes which look amazing in any home.
Place amethyst next to your bed to help you get a great night’s sleep, waking up feeling refreshed, motivated and ready for the day.
What chakra is amethyst good for?
Amethyst is great for opening up and balancing the third eye, soma, crown and higher crown chakras. Anyone working on developing their psychic and mediumship abilities will really benefit meditating with amethyst and having it with them either in the form of jewellery or stones.
How to use amethyst
Amethyst can be used in an area of your house or placed within your energy field.
To be within your energy field a crystal can be:
- Placed near you
- In your pocket, wallet, purse or bag
- Worn as jewellery or an accessory
The crystal’s energy will now be working to heal, improve your life.
Another option is to meditate with amethyst. You can either place it on one of your chakras or hold it in your hands. This is especially powerful if you have a particular healing property you wish to receive.
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