Ancient Greeks called Amethyst - "Amethystos" which means "not intoxicated" and believed that drinking wine from Amethyst cups would prevent them from getting drunk. February's Birthstone and the king of the purple gems, all other gems that are purple or exhibit purple colors are usually compared to Amethyst colors.
Color Origin
While Brazil is known as the major world producer of Quartz, specifically Amethyst, Zambia, Africa used to be known for the world class royal purple color Amethyst. Brazil produces the largest Quartz crystals in the world. However, many of these large crystals are called "Rose de France," a beautiful pale lilac, light purple color, with a lavender overtone. After Siberia had exhausted its deposits of the world’s ideal Amethyst, Africa became more of a source of the best Amethyst color ever being mined. Producing deep royal purple with reddish flashes that are described as magnificent. The African Amethyst is like an African Aquamarine, it tends to come in a smaller size than a Brazilian, South American Amethyst and Aqua would originally come in. This is a simple trade off between color and size.
Until a few years ago when Uruguay and the Bolivian Amethyst were discovered, the color and size were easily combined into beautiful gems, which became a high demand in the market, that almost let to a dry up of the "Uruguay Mines." Luckily, there are fine large Bolivian crystals that are still available in today’s gem market. As reported in the latest issue of July 1999 Gemstones Magazine, "Bolivian material seems to have disappeared off the map and many are scrambling for more material, which even African sources can’t provide. Uruguayan goods are expensive and now larger-sized rough of 10 grams on up are difficult to come by. An old source in the Maraba Region of Brazil has become a new friend to those in search of rough.
Buying Tips
Color depends on how deep you like your purple to be. The ideal color is not too deep or too light, unless you really like "Rose de France," the vividness and brightness are important. If you are a collector, buy large pieces with an excellent cut, such pieces are hardly comparable, especially if you are buying fancy cuts or designer pieces.
Beware Of Synthetics
In the early 90’s synthetic Quartz was introduced in the market under the name of the "Japanese Amethyst." Synthetic Amethyst, like all other synthetic gems, are made to imitate the best grade and color of the natural gemstones. Although it is usually hard to distinguish between natural and synthetic Quartz, a simple test may lead to an easy and fast conclusion. Synthetic Amethyst is usually flawless and very deep in color, especially in small sizes, which is almost impossible in most Amethyst. If the Amethyst is small and flawless it will usually be light in color, if it is small and deep in color (like Zambian Materials), it must be some how included with color zones or internal inclusions. Natural Amethyst usually exhibits straight color strips or zones, synthetic does not. After all, Amethyst is a purple beauty you may enjoy for yourself or by giving it as a beautiful gift. It is a gemstone that has been around our life for a long time and it is a true beauty of nature.
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