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Color, etc.
The common mineral quartz in one of its rarer forms is known to us as amethyst. It is the only gem which displays a beautiful violet color. This color is thought to be caused by organic matter within the crystal, and this theory is supported by the fact that the amethyst when heated first changes to yellow and then entirely loses its color.
Where Found
The chief sources of supply of amethysts are now located in Siberia and Brazil, although a very few stones have occasionally been found in the State of Maine. The finest stones must have a rich, dark violet color, while the lighter shades are of much less value. In former times the amethyst was much more highly valued than at present, owing, no doubt, to the relative scarcity of the gem at that time. But it must ever continue to be highly prized for the intrinsic beauty of its violet color.
The amethyst has with many other gems a long history. Its name is derived from two Greek words, meaning "not to inebriate," indicating that it was the belief of the ancients that anything drunk from cups of this mineral could never produce any deleterious effect. During the middle ages it long figured as a pious or episcopal gem and was long sacred to the Church. |
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Precious Stones Guide Vol 3
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