Natural amethyst is a precious gemstone that has been highly valued for centuries. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and sought-after gemstones, and its rarity and beauty make it an incredibly valuable stone. In this blog post, we will explore what makes natural amethyst so special. Including its unique properties and how it is used in jewelry. So if you’ve ever wondered why natural amethyst is so valuable, read on to learn more about this fascinating gemstone.
The History Of Amethyst
The gemstone amethyst has been valued by cultures around the world for centuries. Likely began in Ancient Greece. The term “amethyst” is derived from the Ancient Greek phrase “amethystos”, meaning “not intoxicated”. This was an allusion to the belief that amethyst protected its wearer from drunkenness, and was often worn as an accessory or used in decorations. It was also a popular stone for signet rings.
During the Middle Ages, amethyst was thought to protect against witchcraft and other forms of evil. It was especially favored by Catholics who believed it symbolized the relationship between Christ and the Church. Amethyst gained popularity during the Renaissance, as artisans created stunning pieces using stone.
Today, amethyst is considered a semi-precious gemstone, although it was once more valuable than diamonds and onyx gemstones. The different shades of amethyst range from light lilac to deep purple and red violet, making it a highly sought-after stone for jewelry and art.
The Physical Characteristics Of Amethyst
Amethyst is a stunning purple gemstone belonging to the quartz family and is one of the most popular gemstones in the world. It has been used since ancient times and is believed to bring clarity, wisdom, and protection to its wearer. Amethyst is commonly found in a range of hues from light lavender to deep purple and is often called the “Gem of Fire.”
One of the unique characteristics of amethyst is its hardness. On the Mohs scale, it has a hardness of 7, making it slightly less hard than onyx gemstone (which is rated at 7.5). This means that it can withstand more wear and tear than softer stones like pearls, but it is not as durable as diamonds. Amethyst also has a unique crystal structure which gives it a variety of facets and angles to reflect light, resulting in its sparkly and eye-catching appearance.
The appearance of amethyst can also vary greatly depending on where it is sourced from. Amethyst mined in different parts of the world can be either brighter or darker in color, and contain more or fewer inclusions. Or be cut into different shapes and sizes.
All these factors contribute to the physical beauty of amethyst. Which makes it such a popular gemstone for jewelry and ornamental pieces.
The Value Of Amethyst
Amethyst is one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world. Its beautiful purple hue, versatility, and rarity make it a coveted stone for jewelry and other decorative objects. The value of an amethyst depends on its color, size, cut, and clarity.
The purple shade of the amethyst ranges from light to dark, with the darkest shades being the most valuable. The deeper the color of the amethyst, the more valuable it is. Additionally, larger and more eye-catching stones are more valuable than smaller ones, making them highly sought after.
The clarity of the stone also affects its value. Stones with few or no inclusions or imperfections are generally worth more than those with more inclusions. Lastly, the cut of the amethyst is important as well. Well-cut stones reflect light and have maximum brilliance, making them more valuable than poorly cut ones.
When compared to other gemstones, amethyst holds its own in terms of value. It is not as expensive as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and onyx gemstones; however. It still commands high prices due to its rarity and beauty. Ultimately, the value of amethyst will depend on its quality and characteristics.