Amethyst: Lusaka
Precious amethyst is the purple member of the quartz family, forming inside volcanic rock geodes. Lusaka amethyst is treasured for its well-concentrated purple and blue-violet hues with flickers of red and indigo.
Amethyst is a quartz crystal that appears in various tones, from pale pink-lavender to intense royal purple. It is a gemstone displaying pleochroism, meaning additional tones of red and blue can appear depending on the direction light strikes the gem. Preferred premium amethyst is found in a medium-to dark- purple shade and is difficult to obtain. Lusaka amethyst extractions yield only small pieces, making it rare to find stones weighted more than four carats.
- In Greece, archeological evidence of polished amethyst set in gold rings has been found dating back to the Minoan period (around 2500 BCE).
- In Greek and Roman mythology, the god of wine and revelry, Dionysus, murdered a maiden named Amethyst while in a drunken rage with a pair of ferocious wild tigers. With her dying breath the girl prayed to Artemis, the goddess of wild beasts, who transformed her into a white quartz statue. When Dionysus realized what he had done, he wept into his wine goblet and collapsed, spilling the goblet's contents on the statue. Amethyst's crystal figure became stained with tears and wine. From this mythological tale, the gem amethyst has becomes a symbol of sobriety. Ancient wine chalices were sometimes carved from amethyst in an attempt to stop heavy drinking.
- Leonardo Da Vinci believed amethyst could dispel malice and hasten sound thinking. In addition, people believed it is beneficial against money and legal troubles and helps develop business acumen.
- Amethyst is a protective stone, beneficial for travelers and military families.
- It has been used by crystal healers to help with addiction, insomnia, pain relief, immune deficiencies, circulatory issues, reproductive health and general healing.
LOCATION: Republic of Zambia
Brazil, Uruguay and South America are few of the countries exporting amethyst today. However, Zambia in South Africa, the same country where we get its supply, offers premium quality amethyst in desirable dark purple.
Zambian amethyst trades four to six times higher compared to stones from South America. We acquired a large parcel in one of the private auctions organized by the Lusaka mine owners, securing substantial savings for our customers.
- Ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
- Color may appear light rose, light lilac, lavender, mauve, intense purple and violet. Sourced from Zambia.
- Member of the quartz family.
- Birthstone for February.
- Traditional gift for 6th and 33rd anniversaries.
