Gemology: Amethyst, the Sobriety Stone



Amethyst is actually a form of Quartz. The purple color comes from iron deposits within the crystal. Imagine, a highly valued gemstone that is so beautiful because of impurities. It is usually found in Africa, Australia, Russia, South America, Brazil, and Uruguay.

It is the birthstone for February.

Amethyst and Crystal Earrings

I found it fascinating to learn that the word amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos" which translated means "not drunken." In fact, amethyst was considered to prevent drunkenness which is why wine goblets were often adorned with amethyst or even carved out of the stone itself. It is called the stone of sobriety and it is symbolic of sobriety.

Amethyst Rosary Bracelet

There is a Greek myth associated with amethyst. Dionysius was the god of intoxication. Angered one day by an insult from a human, he swore revenge on the next mortal that crossed his path by causing wild tigers to tear apart the victim. Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana, was to be that victim. Diana turned Amethyst into a stature of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the tiger claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears stained the quartz crystal purple, creating the gem we know today.

Anglican Rosary with Amethyst Beads and Bronze Russian Cross

Amethyst is a popular stone in meditation and crystal healing. Considered to be one of the best stones to use for meditation. it is "a stone of divine love" as I've read several times. It assists the user to turn away from self-centeredness and turn toward deeper understanding. Said to have a calming mental effect, amethyst is used for stressed out and overwhelmed mental states. It is thought to offer protection against negative energy to those who wear it. Amethyst is used in crystal healing for treating headaches, migraines, insomnia and recurrent nightmares, bringing peaceful balance to mental and emotional energies.

Simple Amethyst Bracelet

During the Middle Ages, amethyst was considered to promote piety and celibacy, which is why you find amethyst among religious adornments during that time period.


Scottish Thistle Amethyst Rosary

Purple is associated with the royal bloodline of Jesus from King David to Saint Joseph. The purple thistle, like the Scottish national flower, is associated with the passion of Christ. As you see in my Scottish thistle rosary, amethyst suits this piece perfectly.

I personally love using amethyst in my work. It's a beautiful, rich looking stone that is actually quite affordable. Not everyone loves purple, but it's definitely a statement-maker.

Gemology - Learning About Gemstones - Peridot

It's time to learn about another gemstone. I wanted to choose something to which I gravitate and something that can be easily found in my shop as well as my own jewelry box. Peridot, the birthstone of August, is one of the few gemstones that can only be found in one color - green. I love green. It represents new life and growth. It's pleasant and warm and yet has a coolness to it as well.

Tree of Life Pendant

Peridot is iron-magnesium-silicate. The deepness of the green is determined by how much iron is contained. Peridot can be found all over the world, but the best sources of truly beautiful peridot is mined from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Okay, that's boring. It's pretty! Who cares how it gets its color or what its made of!

Peridot gets its name from the Greek word "peridona" which means something like "giving plenty." For this reason, it is sometimes called the "money stone." Carry peridot with you and it will help bring you wealth and opportunity. Carry citrine with the peridot and the citrine will help you keep the wealth. So "they" say... Wish that was always true!

Delicate Peridot and Gold Earrings

Said to help move past old emotional wounds and hurts, peridot is said to foster emotional balance. It helps heal the healer - physician, heal thyself! Peridot can help to bring clarity, understanding of destiny and purpose, and release negativity.

Considered a natural tonic of sorts, peridot has been used to help cleanse and heal the body, stimulating new healthy growth. It was used to treat depression by the Romans in ancient times. And is thought to encourage well-being and stress relief.

An interesting piece I found about peridot involves Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Peridot is recommended as a gift to beginners of AA as a detoxing stone. Peridot helps the body release the toxins on all levels throughout the body, easing the transition to sobriety.

Silver Tree of Life Pendant

Peridot is such a wonderful stone. I absolutely love it. I've always been fond of green stones, probably from being born in May with emerald as my own birthstone. But there is truth to the metaphysical properties of gemstones...I can't explain it, but sometimes when I wear certain gemstones, I feel complete.If you don't buy into the metaphysical properties, that's fine. But choose jewelry with gemstones that you love. If you are drawn to certain stones, listen to that nudge! There might be a reason for it. :)

Gemology - Learning about Gemstones and Minerals - Black Onyx

I thought it might be kinda fun to share some information about the different gemstones and minerals I use in my jewelry. Although I'm just a novice regarding the scientific particulars, there is a wealth of information about gems on the web. I'm particularly fond of the metaphysical properties and folklore surrounding gemstones. Crystal healing is a real practice, using certain gemstones for their properties to aid in the body's natural defenses as well as emotional well-being. I love to use stones that benefit the wearer or user of my pieces.




Men's Bracelet in Black Onyx

I wondered where on earth to start? I don't work with diamonds, emeralds or rubies at this time - just too darned expensive for this upstart business! But I love the beauty of long-wearing, practical semi-precious gemstones and minerals. So I decided to start with a basic favorite - Black Onyx.



Black Onyx as we know it has a gorgeous deep black color. It's a form of chalcedony, a part of the Quartz family, and is usually dyed for full color. It's most often mined in Brazil, but gray chalcedony is found in India and China. Onyx forms in multiple layers like agates; what we call "onyx" is usually found with a black base covered by a white layer. This white layer over black could be carved away to create a negative relief, like a cameo; the Romans achieved beautiful results with this process, called glyptography.

Gothic Anglican Rosary



Black Onyx is thought to offer protective qualities. It is considered beneficial to carry it when traveling for this reason. Black is a color associated with new beginnings, starting over. Recommended for those fighting basic fears or getting past negative experiences, it is a source of encouragement for some, reinforcing one's inner strength.



Military Rosary Tenner

I love to use Black Onyx in rosaries, especially for those in national and local public service - military, police, firefighters, etc. It's beautiful, and because of these other metaphysical properties, I feel it makes a wise stone choice.

Does Black Onyx appeal to you? Do you respond to it when you see it, like you need to touch it? If so, you just might benefit from a piece of black onyx jewelry. Feel free to contact me about a custom piece - I love custom orders and do my best to keep my prices down.

To see some of the black onyx pieces I have in my shop, click here.

I'd love to hear what you think! What stones appeal to you? I'm happy to share what information I can glean in a future post!

*Sources: FireMountainGems.com, HealingCrystals.com