Amethyst - The Transformer
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. Amethyst can vary from a very pale violet hue to a deep purple-red-blue. It has been revered throughout civilisation, including the Egyptians who used amethyst to transform fear and guilt, the anglo-saxons who buried their dead with amethyst, while the Greeks and the Romans used it for protection from self-indulgence!
The largest deposits of amethyst have been found in the Rio Grande, Brazil, which formed some 130 million years ago. Amethyst geodes would have began life as a gas bubble trapped in lava; as the lava cooled hollow cavities formed. Over time, the porous, basalt rock allowed silica and iron rich water to slowly penetrate the cavities forming quartz within the bubble. Nuclear decay from the surrounding rocks oxidises the iron deposits turning the quartz purple. Amazing to think that a single electron can cause such a lovely colour change! The whole process of transformation likely took around 11 million years; it is perhaps easy to see why amethyst is considered to hold such wonderful transformational energy. Iron also acts as a transitional metal within our bodily detox systems and likely why historically amethyst was used as a blood cleanser and a stone of strength.
Read below for 12 super and easy ways to use amethyst:
Amethyst can help to reduce insomnia and aid good dreaming; it also helps you to remember your dreams and provides insight during this spiritual time. Simply place a piece of amethyst under your pillow before you go to sleep.
Amethyst transforms negative energies. Geodes are a beautiful addition to a room and will bring in good energy. Geodes can help to build harmonious relationships in the south area of a home or relaxation when placed in a bedroom.
Why not make amethyst gem water. Hildegard von Bingen is famous for using amethyst infused water as an energising facial cleanser. Simply add an amethyst crystal to pure water for up to three hours and use as a cleanser to tonify the skin!
Wearing amethyst brings peace, balance and protects the wearer from negative energy making it perfect for jewellery; it is particularly effective when worn around the head area with earrings or a hair pin.
If you are starting new journey in your life, then carry a piece of amethyst with you in your daily life. It will help you to be in the right place at the right time and find that ‘go with the flow’ attitude in life. It can also provide clarity and insight into what is actually happening in your life and teach us to see silver linings in situations instead of complaining.
Mediating with amethyst can expand ones intuitive and psychic abilities. Before you begin simply ask for protection and then lie down and place a piece of amethyst over your third-eye (above and between your eyebrows). You will connect with your higher consciousness. Listen to your ‘inner knowing’ - do you get any messages, feelings, visions?
You can use a polished amethyst for a light head massage to reduce a headache. Simply rub the crystal over the forehead or temples to reduce throbbing; try to concentrate on your breathing and imagine the pain being removed with each breath.
Amethyst makes a lovely present for those who are grieving as it is a soothing and calming stone. It is also said to provide comfort to those in labour as in Amethyst honours Artemis, the Goddess of childbirth.
Camilo Leonardi, an astrologer suggested that amethyst quickened the intelligence while Romans wore amethyst to battle allowing them to think more clearly. Amethyst works as a great study aid helping to increase focus and mental clarity. Having a piece of amethyst on your desk is a good way to enhance your studies!
The Greeks carved goblets of amethyst to provide self restraint, thinking it would aid sobriety. Why not leave a piece of amethyst in the kitchen if you are trying to create new eating habits or in the bathroom if you are encouraging self-love.
Place a piece of amethyst at your crown chakra (top of head) and in the palm of your hand. I personally like to do this in the park, for ten minutes Close your eyes and simply think of the processes the amethyst went through, what lessons does it give to you, do you feel closer to nature? How will you transform?
Use amethyst to reduce electromagnetic stress from televisions and electrical items, simply place pieces of amethyst around your computer or television for a protective effect!
Amethyst can fade is strong sunlight and so I tend to cleanse my amethyst crystals in the moonlight and although I leave them on the windowsill I keep my amethyst out of direct sunlight. Be vary of synthetic forms on the market that have irradiated as these are not suitable for healing or using in gem water; always buy from a reputable dealer. We would love to know if you have a piece of amethyst and how you use it. Why not share your stories in BeLeafers! Further Reading:
Czaja, M., Kadziołka‐Gaweł, M., Konefał.A., Sitko.R,, Teper.E, Zbigniew Mazurak. Z., Sachanbin, M (2016) The Mössbauer spectra of prasiolite and amethyst crystals from Poland Phys Chem Minerals https://doi.org/10.1007/S00269-016-0864-Z
For the musicians amongst us you might like ‘Symphony in Gemstones’ a cute set of 21 carved gemstone instruments, donated to GIA Museum by Art Sexauer www.gia.edu/UK-EN/research-news-gem-carved-ensemble-music