Its name comes from the Greek word AMETHYSTOS (not intoxicated), it evokes the color of the wine to which water has been added to limit their negative effects.
Amethyst gemstones are the gems most commonly associated with the color purple. The purple color can be bluish or reddish with grade of saturation from grayish / brownish to vivid.
Amethyst Gemstones commonly show color zoning, consisting in angular zones of darker to lighter color. The color of amethyst is caused by the presence of color centers and iron.
"Rose de France" is the comercial name for pale lilac Amethyst and it is very popular in jewelry.
Violet amethyst is the "sister gemstone" of yellow citrine. Ametrine is the combination of amethyst and citrine, with its typical color-zone.
Until 18th Century was included in the most valuable gemstones, until the discovery of extensive deposits. The effect that large sizes has on the price of amethyst gemstones is less than other gemstones.
The biggest factor in the value of the Amethyst Gemstones is the COLOR.
The highest grade amethyst color have a rich velvety slight bluish purple with red and blue flashes commonly called “Siberian Amethyst” or “Deep Siberian Amethyst” (these terms refer to the color, not the origin).
They are also highly valued the amethyst color strong reddish purple without color zoning and without brown hue.
Amethyst Gemstones will show eye-visible inclusions.
Typical inclusions: The main inclusions in amethysts are the called “zebra stripes”, primary fluid inclusions describing the faces of the rhombohedron.
We also can find “color zoning” angular zones of darker and lighter color, and Brazilian Law Twinning.
GENESIS: Volcanic igneous rocks and pegmatites. Geodes. Alluvial deposits.
Amethyst gemstones are found: Afghanistan, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Canada, Cambodia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Usa ...
Heated at 450 C losses its violet color and turns yellow - orange and then resemble the citrine. The original color can be restored by x-ray radiation.
SYNTHESIS:
There are many synthetic amethysts in the market.
If the gem does not have the typical inclusions of synthesis, it is difficult to detect with conventional methods.
Amethyst gems are present in myths and symbols. The Romans drank in cups of amethyst to protect themselves against the effects of wine and Christian bishops wear amethyst rings referring to the sober state of the Apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:15).
Belleau, the poet, gives life as the chaste maiden who does not succumb to the charms of Bacchus and whom Diana becomes the white stone, sprinkled by the repentant wine Bacchus.
Saint Valentine wore an amethyst ring with the image of Cupid.
Lo primero que buscamos en las piedras preciosas es subelleza. Pero la belleza es subjetiva y es muy difícil declasificar.
Una cosa que he aprendido con el tiempo es que cuando se venden piedras preciosas sueltas, los compradores suelen ser coleccionistas de gema o bien van a usar la gema para hacerse una pieza de joyería a medida; unanillo de compromiso,de boda, o algo muy especial. En cuyo caso tienen clarísimoel colorque están buscando.
The first thing we look for in precious stones is theirbeauty. But beauty is subjective and is very difficult toclassify.
One thing I have learned over time is that when loose gemstones are sold, the buyers are often gem collectors or they will use the gem to make a custom piece of jewelry; an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or something very special. In which case they are very clear aboutthe colorthey are looking for.
