Amethyst is Mined in Many Places
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz which has been found in many places all over the world, including Brazil, Africa, Uruguay, Bolivia, Mexico and the USA. The color can range from a soft lavender to a deep, rich purple hue, with flashes of red and blue. The color and formations of amethyst crystals vary by location. For example, Brazilian amethyst can be found in geodes, large points and wands. The crystals can range in color from pale to dark purple. Giant geodes of Brazilian amethyst are often seen at trade shows.
Uruguayan amethyst is most often found in geodes and is considered to be some of the finest in the world. Small sections of geodes are sometimes referred to as “rosettes.” This amethyst occasionally grows in small crystals on stalactites and stalagmites of agate, inside the geodes. Slices of these formations resemble flowers, and they are very popular in jewelry. The top quality Uruguayan material, which has a deep, velvety purple color is becoming difficult to obtain.
Bolivian amethyst forms in large points that can be found in clusters. The color is typically a medium purple, with gray or white at the base. Many times, these point will have a citrine core, which is not unusual, considering the fact that almost all ametrine comes from the world-renowned Anhi mine in Bolivia.
Recently, three extremely rare clusters of Bolivian amethyst were unearthed from the Anahi mine and put on display at the 2022 Tucson Pueblo Gem & Mineral show. They were the largest clusters that had been unearthed by the famous Anahi Mine in over 20 years, and this was the first time that they had been presented to the public. The clusters weighed in at 1,682 pounds, 1,600 pounds, and 1,500 pounds, with points ranging in size from 3” to 8” in diameter.
A beautifully delicate and vibrant type of amethyst comes to us from the mountainous area of Veracruz, Mexico. Most of them are found in Piedra Parada. These crystals are typically lighter in color than other amethyst varieties. In some, the color at the base is white or clear and it gradually transitions into purple at the tip. Veracruz amethyst is very difficult to mine and highly sought after by collectors. The best specimens feature beautiful sprays of glassy crystals that resemble flowers, as well as single crystals. Many of the crystals are double-terminated. Veracruz amethyst is often found on a rock matrix that is grayish-brown color. Sometimes the matrix is dusted with tiny epidote crystals and druse quartz. Although the largest producing mine was reported to have been closed, ambitious miners occasionally find new pockets of amethyst. We were very fortunate to have procured some of this newly mined material, and it is available for purchase in our store! Click here to shop for Veracruz amethyst!
Amethyst Has Been Treasured for Centuries
Amethyst has been worn as jewelry or carved into sculptures by many different civilizations for centuries. It emits a sweet but powerful energy, and it is one of the first crystals to which energetic healers and crystal enthusiasts are drawn. The ancient Romans believed that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness. To this day, amethyst is still used to help overcome addictions and eliminate bad habits.
Both the color purple and amethyst have been associated with prosperity, royalty and power. For many years, amethyst was considered to be more valuable than diamonds. Purple fabric was only worn by rulers and wealthy elites, or high ranking members of the clergy. This was due to the difficulty and cost of manufacturing the purple dye, the color of which was derived from a rare murex shell.
Amethyst Brings Spiritual and Energetic Protection
Wearing or carrying a piece of amethyst creates a shield of energy around the aura that not only protects against psychic attacks and lower vibrations, but helps to balance the physical and energetic bodies. During meditation, amethyst can stimulate the third eye and aid in opening up the crown and etheric chakras, clearing a path to higher levels of consciousness. In everyday life, amethyst can help calm the mind and increase focus, eliminating feelings of being “scattered,” and enhancing the ability to made thoughtful, practical decisions. It can transmute negative energy into love and facilitates connections to one’s angels and spirit guides.
Amethyst Promotes Wellness
Amethyst can assist healing on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. It brings out the root causes of dis-ease in the energetic body, which can lead to afflictions of the physical body. Amethyst helps to identify habits, beliefs or behaviors that lead to energetic imbalances, so that one can take responsibility for them and work to correct harmful patterns.
We currently have a beautiful selection of amethyst in our store. Click here to shop our amethyst collection!
