Amethyst

Amethyst was once considered to be as valuable as Ruby and Emerald; it regularly adorned jewellery worn by Royalty and religious figures.

The Ancient Greeks believed wearing them would guard against drunkenness (if only!) and it was popular with the Egyptians as a stone for carving intaglios.

Significant sources include Brazil, Russia, Uruguay and Zambia. It frequently occurs in large sizes and crystals can weigh hundreds sometimes thousands of carats.

Description: The best known and best loved member of the Quartz family, Amethysts vary in colour from the palest blush mauve to the deepest regal purple. They are found in Brazil amongst other places.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs Scale

Birthstone: February