Properties, Virtues and Meaning Of The Precious Amethyst Stone

Precious and semi-precious stones 💎 have surprising powers, and amethyst is no exception.

Used since Antiquity and throughout the Middle Ages, the stone of temperance and wisdom still fascinates. Set off to discover this purple stone.

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What are the origins of amethyst?

Literally, amethyst means “not drunk”: its name comes from the Greek methystos, “intoxication”, preceded by a privative “a”. Probably because of its wine-like color, in Antiquity it was credited with the power to protect against drunkenness: the Greeks drank from amethyst cups to shield themselves from the effects of wine.

Legend has it that Dionysus, god of the vine and of excess, one day in a fit of anger wanted to attack the first human he met. Fate chose the young Amethyst, on whom he set tigers. Artemis saved her just in time by turning her into a statue of pure quartz. Full of remorse, Dionysus dropped his cup of wine, which splashed the statue and dyed it purple.

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It's also known as the Bishops' Stone

A stone of humility, temperance, nobility of heart and moral purity, amethyst also stands for ecclesiastical authority. Saint Valentine is said to have worn an amethyst around his neck, as did the knights who left for the Crusades with this stone on their rosary.

In the Middle Ages, it adorned papal rings and the crowns of Christian kings, who had to keep a clear mind and guard against intoxication, whether of wine or of power. A symbol of purity, tenderness and mutual respect, it is traditionally given for the 48th wedding anniversary.

Did you know? When strongly heated, amethyst turns yellow, and some sellers take advantage of this to pass it off as citrine. If you want to buy a citrine, beware!

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The virtues of amethyst

Healing oneself with stones is possible thanks to lithotherapy. The stone of sobriety according to its legend, amethyst is above all known for its great psychic powers: to find your emotional center, it is the stone of choice.

Wearing an amethyst

To enjoy its benefits, the simplest way is to wear it every day: as a tumbled stone in your pocket or bag, or as jewelry. Discover also who the light beings are and why you should never blow out a candle.

⚠️ The virtues attributed to stones come from traditions and beliefs. They are not a treatment and do not replace medical advice.

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How can you recharge the energies of this stone?

• Recharge it in moonlight, ideally at the new moon, never in the sun: it would lose its color.
• Discharge it under running water or in salt water.
• Purify it briefly in the sun, without leaving it there too long.

An important point to know: amethyst is itself used to recharge and purify other stones.

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