February's Birthstone: Amethyst

Is your birthstone amethyst? Do you know the history behind this stone or what it can do for you when you wear it?

History of Amethyst
The legend of the origin of amethyst comes from the Greeks. Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was angered one day by an insult from a mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal he encountered. After, creating tigers to carry out his wish, unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful
young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana appeared. But Diana turned Amethyst into a stature of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from Dionysus' tigers. At the sight of the beautiful statue, Dionysus is said to have wept tears of wine, staining the quartz purple and creating the gem amethyst.

Mystical Powers
The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek meaning "not drunken," and Amethyst has long been considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness. As the myth goes, drinking wine from an Amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming inebriated. Wine goblets were often carved from it, and the gemstone still symbolizes sobriety to this day.

Amethyst is a stone traditionally worn to "guard against". It strengthens immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Ametyst relieves headaches, and improves blood sugar imbalance. It is beleived to protect one from poison. It is also used as a dream stone and to help insomnia.

Amethyst guards against guilty and fearful feelings. It has been worn as protection from self-deception. It is also used as a meditation aid. The amethyst symbolizes piety, humility, sincerity and spiritual wisdom.  Amethyst crystal clusters are used to keep the air and life force in the home clean and positive.