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Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz.The name comes from the Koine Greek αμέθυστος amethystos from α-a-, "not" and μεθύσκω (Ancient Greek) methysko / μεθώ metho (Modern Greek), "intoxicate", a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. [1]
An amethyst stone from South Africa. Amethyste or Amethystos (Ancient Greek: Ἀμέθυστη, romanized: Améthustē, lit. 'non-drunk') is supposedly a nymph in Greek mythology who was turned into a precious stone by the goddess Diana/Artemis in order to avoid a worse fate at the hands of the god Dionysus, thus explaining the origin of the semi-precious stone amethyst.
The Greek name alludes to the popular belief that amethyst prevented intoxication; as such, drinking vessels were made of amethyst for festivities, and carousers wore amulets made of it to counteract the action of wine. [7] The amethyst is a brilliant transparent stone of a purple color and varies in shade from violet purple to rose.
Aḥlamah (אַחְלָמָה in the Masoretic text) / Amethystos (in the Septuagint) – amethystos refers to amethyst, a purple mineral which was believed to protect against getting drunk from alcohol (amethyst's name refers to this belief, and literally translates as "not intoxicating"), [9] and was commonly used in Egypt. [2]
Citrine “A powerful gemstone crystal in a range of deep yellows, oranges, and yellow-cream-white, the citrine gemstone is said to bring abundance and wealth into one’s life,” Salzer says.
Leaders of states in the U.S. which have significant mineral deposits often create a state mineral, rock, stone or gemstone to promote interest in their natural resources, history, tourism, etc.
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The third luminous-gem theme involves serpents (of Hindu origin), or small animals (Spanish), with gems in their heads, or grateful animals repaying human kindness (Chinese and Roman) (Ball 1938: 501–505). Legends about snakes that carry a marvelous jewel either in their forehead or in their mouth are found almost worldwide.