Amethyst (polished cross-section)

Item Description

Uruguayan Amethyst is some of the most attractive and richly colored examples of the purple variety of Quartz in the world. Here we have a beautiful polished cross-section of an Amethyst stalactite from Artigas, Uruguay (right on the Brazilian border), showing rich purple colored crystals on the exterior, with attractive white Quartz and multi-color banded Agate "cores" in the middle. The piece is complete all around and looks beautiful both in reflected light and transmitted light. A beautiful example of these classic and fine quality Amethysts. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek "a-methystos" meaning "not drunken,". Wine goblets were often carved from it to prevent the owner from becoming inebriated, and the gemstone still symbolizes sobriety to this day. Traditionally, the color purple has been a symbol for royalty and Amethyst was often used for monarchs and leaders throughout history. It was, considered to be the stone of bishops, who still often wear amethyst rings. In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it. Amethyst would be very expensive, were not for its widespread availability, as it is one of the few purple gems out there.