AMETHYST

[am-uh-thist]

BIRTHSTONE: February

ORIGIN: Today amethyst is still mined in Brazil, Madagascar, Manibia and Uruguay.

HISTORY: Amethyst is the royal gemstone found in 19th century Brazil believed to prevent intoxication. It gets its name from the greek amethystos, meaning not drunk. Amethyst is said to have been the favorite gemstone of Catherine the Great. Also found adorning the British Crown Jewels.

FASHION: Amethyst is used in both the most couture jewelry to everyday designs. The value of amethyst is in its affordability; you can find a piece suited for your budget. You will feel like royalty whether dressing up or looking casual!

FORMATION: Amethyst is a purple variety of the mineral quartz formed in large six sided crystals. The gemstone color varies from a bluish tone to a deep raspberry purple.

CLEANING & CARE: Amethyst can be easily cleaned at home with warm soapy water and a soft brush. An ultrasonic cleaner is usually safe to use. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner when amethyst is dyed or treated by fracture filling.

TREATMENTS: Some amethyst is heat treated to lighten the color or remove “smokey” hues.

MOH'S HARDNESS : 7.0 Scratch resistance through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 3.66 The relation between the density of any substance and the density of water.

REFRACTIVE INDEX:  1.544 - 1.553 The ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to its velocity in a specified medium.