Whether you have a vast collection of gems and jewels or are new to this fascinating world, you’ve probably heard the word “amethyst” before. Amethyst, often envisioned as a deep, royal purple, is a gem that carries a colorful world of intrigue. While the classic purple hue is undeniably captivating, the amethyst color spectrum is complex and extends far beyond what meets the eye. Let's take a closer look at the enchanting world of amethyst hues.
What color is amethyst?
If you asked a hundred people to describe the color of amethyst, they'd likely give the same answer: purple. While it’s true that amethyst is often associated with this color, the reality isn’t quite as straightforward. February’s birthstone boasts a surprising spectrum of shades, from delicate lavender to deep, royal purple. Surprisingly, when more trace elements are present, amethyst can even reflect green! Let’s look at a few popular varieties.
Traditional amethyst
Typically characterized by a rich, deep purple hue, this is the classic color most people associate with amethyst. This color results from the high amounts of iron found in amethysts.
Rose de France amethyst
While Rose de France amethyst also gains its color from iron impurities, lower iron amounts give it a softer lavender tone. With its lighter, more delicate coloring, Rose de France amethyst is often associated with romance.
Green amethyst
A rare and highly sought-after find, green amethyst (known in the geological world as prasiolite) exhibits a unique grassy green hue, resulting from higher amounts of trace elements like aluminum, sodium and potassium.
Bi-color amethyst
These captivating stones showcase two distinct colors within the same crystal, often a combination of purple and clear or purple and yellow. While yellowish amethyst can occur naturally, most on the market have had their color manually altered by jewelers.
Amethyst color meaning
The word amethyst comes from the ancient Greek “amethustos.” Famous painter Leonard da Vinci quipped that amethyst helps to "quicken intelligence and get rid of evil thoughts."
Amethyst’s color alone brings with it a slew of meaning and symbolism. While some believe green varieties of amethyst can assist in relieving anxiety, stress and self doubt, the gem’s traditional purple hue has long been associated with spirituality and royalty. One of the oldest sets of jewelry in the British Royal Family’s famed collection is the Kent Amethyst collection, which includes a necklace, hair combs, brooches and a pair of earrings often worn by Queen Elizabeth II.
In some cultures and beliefs, amethyst's purple color represents the purity of spirit and was believed to aid in healing wounds. Furthermore, many cultures view amethyst as a stone of peace that produces soothing dreams, with Ancient Egyptians using it in prayer for protection against harm.
These long-believed positive qualities of amethyst were captured in a poem published in The Lotus Magazine in 1915:
“The February-born shall find
sincerity and peace of mind
free from passion and from care,
if she an amethyst will wear.
Let her an amethyst but cherish well,
and strife and care can never with her dwell.”
What affects amethyst color quality?
As with most gemstones, the color of amethyst can differ greatly from one to the next. Let’s look at a few key factors that can make similar stones appear different.
Hue
The specific color of an amethyst, its hue, depends on various factors including the presence and quantity of trace elements in the gem and the geological conditions where it was formed. As mentioned above, increased heat can dull or entirely change an amethyst's color.
Saturation
Like its hue, an amethyst’s saturation is also impacted by its makeup. Amethyst with a higher iron concentration will have a deeper, richer purple color, while less saturated amethyst will appear more pale or muted. Amethyst with strong saturation, giving a reddish-purple or dark purple color, are considered more desirable; however, if the coloring is too dark, it may appear black in some lighting.
Clarity
Clarity measures an amethyst's transparency. A clear stone allows light to pass through easily, enhancing the color's brilliance, while inclusions or blemishes can reduce clarity and impact the overall color perception. The location where an amethyst is found can impact its clarity. For example, amethysts found in Zambia tend to have more inclusions than those found elsewhere, such as in Brazil.
How to care for amethyst
Properly caring for and storing your amethyst can help protect it from damage and increase the longevity of your jewelry. To reduce wear and scratching, place pieces of jewelry separately in padded containers or soft cloths to avoid clinking and clanking while being stored.
Although amethyst rarely fades, you should protect it from extended exposure to light and heat by storing your jewelry away from direct light. Keep your amethyst away from chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia and acetone, as these can damage the stone. Additionally, you should only clean your amethyst jewelry with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Consider having your amethyst jewelry professionally cleaned every six months to a year to remove dirt buildup and restore its shine.
Protect your amethyst jewelry with Jewelers Mutual
If you have amethyst jewelry for one of the many reasons outlined above or are thinking of purchasing some, you can protect it from loss, damage or theft with a personal insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. While many people use homeowners insurance to insure their jewelry, there are potential drawbacks to that option when compared to personal jewelry insurance. Check your jewelry insurance rate from Jewelers Mutual by clicking the button below.
