Amethyst Gemstone Guide

Q: Where does the name Amethyst derive from?

The name Amethyst is derived from the Greek word 'Amethystos' meaning 'not drunken' as it was believed to be an antidote for drunkenness in the middle ages. Amethyst is also considered the stone of royalty (purple) and piety.

Amethyst is a deep purple treasure that has captured profound admiration across centuries of imperial heritage. At Tivon, we inspect only the top 5% of loose natural gemstones to ensure every selection showcases intense saturation, brilliant clarity and an abundance of internal life. Derived from ancient Greek history as a protective antidote against intoxication, this remarkably robust gem inspires immense clarity of mind while acting as a striking badge of piety and noble distinction.

Read below to discover the unique geography, fascinating pedigree and essential care guidelines in our comprehensive Amethyst gemstone guide. Alternatively, explore our masterfully curated collection of Amethyst jewellery, where you can discover our luxury Amethyst rings, exceptional Amethyst earrings and elegant Amethyst pendants. Each breathtaking statement piece is designed to stand as a bespoke family legacy.

Sobriety, Clarity & Royalty

About Amethyst

What colour is Amethyst?

Amethyst is generally purple, however Amethyst exists in green as well.

Where does the name Amethyst derive from?

The name Amethyst is derived from the Greek word "Amethystos" meaning "not drunken" as it was believed to be an antidote for drunkenness in the middle ages. Amethyst is also considered the stone of royalty (purple) and piety.

What is the symbolism of Amethyst?

The symbolism of Amethyst is sobriety, clarity of mind and royalty.

What gemstone family does Amethyst belong to?

Amethyst belongs to the Quartz family of gemstones.

What anniversary does Amethyst represent?

Amethyst represents the 33rd wedding anniversary.

What is the hardness of Amethyst?

Amethyst's hardness is 7.0 Moh’s Scale and has a very robust structure.

Where is Amethyst geographically located?

The finest Amethysts come from South America & Africa.

Are there any interesting facts regarding Amethyst?

Joan Crawford (a famous American actress) owned a 75 carat amethyst ring.

What is the cleaning procedure for Amethyst?

Amethyst can be cleaned with most commercial jewellery cleaners or mild soap & lukewarm water using a soft brush. Some Amethysts may fade if exposed to sunlight for long periods of time so you shouldn’t wear your Amethyst while sunbathing or when using a tanning bed.

What are the value factors of Amethyst?

Amethyst's value factors are its intensity of colour as well as its brilliance and the "life" of the stone. The size of the stone also counts as a value factor.

The Quartz Family Spectrum

Amethyst belongs to the incredibly diverse macrocrystalline Quartz family, sharing the exact same resilient structural DNA while expressing a breathtaking array of natural color. Expand your gemological knowledge and discover the unique histories of its direct geological siblings. Discover serene, mint hues in our Green Amethyst & Prasiolite Gemstone Guide. Learn about vibrant, sun-drenched radiance in our Lemon Quartz Gemstone Guide, the romantic, pastel pink warmth in our Rose Quartz Gemstone Guide, the deep, enchanting smoky-hued ambiance in our Smokey Quartz Gemstone Guide and the radiant, sun-kissed golden fire in our Citrine Gemstone Guide.