AMETHYSTS
Birthstone: February
Wedding Anniversary: sixth
Amethyst is a transparent purple or violet variety of quartz. This beautiful stone is very popular and is available at moderate prices. Its colour varies in shades of pale lilac to deep purple. Since time immemorial, purple has been regarded as a royal colour hence fine amethysts have been found in abundance in British crown jewels, the Egyptian royal treasures and they were also a personal favorite of Catherine the Great. The pale colours are sometimes known as "Rose de France" and can be seen set in Victorian jewelery. It is the deep colour that is the most valuable, especially the rich purple with rose flashes.
Amethyst is also considered to have supernatural powers. In medieval Europe, soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection against the enemy during battles. It is also known to be prescribed to prevent intoxication and protect the wearer against contagious diseases. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken intelligence!
Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and East Africa.