Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz.
The word is Greek for “non-intoxicating”, a reference to the belief they protect their owners from drunkenness.
The ancient Greeks want so far as to carve amethyst drinking cups from it in the belief that it would prevent them from getting tipsy.
Up until the 18th century, amethyst was included in the list of cardinal (aka most valuable) gemstones:
Diamond
Sapphire
Ruby
Emerald
Amethyst
Why?
But since the discovery of extensive deposits throughout the world, it’s lost its rarity and with it most of its value.
My birthstone is amethyst, and so is my wedding ring (passed down to me from my great grandmother, who shared the same birthstone). Who knew it’s been protecting me from tipsyness! ☺️