| Amethyst is a transparent and crystalline variety of quartz with a deep purple to blue-violet color. The purple color is caused by iron and manganese. The colors are often intermingled in one stone, depending on the qualities inherent in the stone. The name is
generally said to be derived from the Greek "not to intoxicate," expressing the old belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness.
There are two primary sources for amethyst. The world's major producer is the Anahi Mine in Bolivia which also produces ametrine. Uruguay is also a consistent amethyst producer yielding limited quantities of extra-fine material. This stone is also mined in Russia, Ceylon and the USA |
