kristin
07-14-2006, 10:44 AM
Amethyst- February’s Birthstone
Amethyst has been the most prized variety quartz for centuries. The ancient Greeks believed it had magical and medicinal properties, like preventing intoxication. Russia was once a major source until the 19th century when a large amethyst deposit was found in Brazil and Amethyst was suddenly plentiful. Although Amethyst never really lost its popularity, it is not as rare as it used to be. The finest color amethyst is strong reddish purple to purple. Heat treatment is the most common technique for improving the color of amethyst in today’s market.
Amethyst has been the most prized variety quartz for centuries. The ancient Greeks believed it had magical and medicinal properties, like preventing intoxication. Russia was once a major source until the 19th century when a large amethyst deposit was found in Brazil and Amethyst was suddenly plentiful. Although Amethyst never really lost its popularity, it is not as rare as it used to be. The finest color amethyst is strong reddish purple to purple. Heat treatment is the most common technique for improving the color of amethyst in today’s market.