A variety of crystallized quartz that occurs in colors ranging from deep purple to pale lavender. The presence of manganese in clear quartz produces amethyst, while the amount or iron content varies the strength of the purple coloration.

The Romans believed in this stone prevented drunkenness and used to drink out of amethyst-encrusted goblets; some believe the effect to be the same today if an amethyst is placed in a glass of wine. Amethyst is thought to bestow stability, strength and peace, to relieve stress, and to calm passion, emotional violence and anger. It is a powerful healing gem, having been used in treating disorders of the nervous system, digestive tract, heart, stomach, skin and teeth. It has also been helpful in the treatment of blood disease, burns and scalds, color blindness, infections and edema. An amethyst under the pillow can aid sleeplessness… an amethyst placed on the center of the forehead can relieve the pain of headaches and other disorders.