Why this royal purple gemstone was once as valuable as diamonds and rubies

History · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Long prized for its supposed ability to prevent intoxication, amethyst was once counted among the world's five cardinal gems. Its status shifted dramatically after massive deposits were discovered in Brazil, transforming a symbol of royalty into an accessible treasure. Discover the science and mythology behind this enduring violet quartz.

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz, its distinct color derived from iron impurities and irradiation within a rigid crystal lattice. While its name originates from the Koine Greek word for 'not intoxicated,' the stone has been steeped in lore for millennia. Ancient Egyptians used it for intaglio engravings, and medieval soldiers carried it as an amulet to remain cool-headed in battle. Even today, Anglican bishops wear rings set with amethyst, referencing the Apostles at Pentecost.

The stone’s cultural mythology often centers on themes of sobriety and chastity. A famous 16th-century myth by French poet Rémy Belleau tells of a maiden named Amethyste who, seeking to remain chaste, was transformed into white stone by the goddess Diana. Bacchus, the god of wine, later stained the stone purple with his tears of remorse. While such stories are not found in classical texts, the association between the gem and the preservation of sanity persists in historical accounts involving the goddess Rhea.

For centuries, amethyst was considered a cardinal gem, held in the same high regard as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. This changed in the 18th century following the discovery of vast, high-quality deposits in Brazil and Uruguay. Today, it is classified as a semiprecious stone. Unlike most gemstones, where value scales exponentially with carat weight, amethyst's worth is primarily determined by its color intensity. The finest grade, historically called 'Deep Siberian,' features a deep purple hue with subtle red and blue flashes.

Modern gemology allows for the creation of synthetic amethyst through hydrothermal growth, which is chemically identical to natural specimens. Furthermore, much of the yellow or green quartz found in jewelry is actually 'burnt amethyst,' created by heating the stone to alter its color. Despite its abundance, the gem remains a subject of fascination, from its use in Tibetan prayer beads to its status as the official birthstone of February.

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