Amethyst (good sized stone)

Item Description

Amethyst is one of the most well-known gems in the world, and has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years. Many ancient jewelry items dating back to 2000 BC have been found containing Amethyst stones. The name comes from the ancient Greek term "amethystos", which translates to "not drunken", as they believed the stone would prevent intoxication. In fact according to entry on Wikipedia, "the French poet Rémy Belleau (1528–1577) invented a myth in which Bacchus, the god of intoxication, of wine, and grapes was pursuing a maiden named Amethyste, who refused his affections. Amethyste prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the chaste goddess Diana answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethyste's desire to remain chaste, Bacchus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple." For decades, Brazil has been the top producer of Amethyst (both gems and crystals), and this stone is a great example of the fine color that can be found. This "Rectangle" cut stone has a wonderful saturated purple color with nearly eye-clean clarity. For the size, the stone is remarkably clean, and would make for a superb center stone in pendant, or as a pair for a specimen to make a great "rough and cut" set.