amber
amethyst
carnelian
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crystal quartz
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Amethyst
I like the purple hue of amethyst. It has a soothing effect on me. Because of this, I use amethyst often in my jewelry pieces either as a complimenting color or as the main material.
Amethyst's color ranges from pale violet to deep purple and is the most highly valued of the semiprecious quartz. It was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians. It is also used in the British Crown Jewels.
The color purple is a color that is associated with holiness. The Christian church often uses purple colored drapes in front of the alter. The pastor wears a purple robe during important services.
Because amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, amethyst was very important in the ornamentation of Catholic and other churches in the Middle Ages. It was, in particular, considered to be the stone of bishops and they still often wear amethyst rings. The churchÕs ranking members also wear an amethyst ring.
Amethyst is associated with a number of superstitions, being regarded as a love charm, as a potent influence in improving sleep, and as protection against thieves and drunkenness.
The traditional properties of amethyst is contentment, spirituality, dreams, healing, peace, happiness, love, and intuition.
It is the modern, traditional, and cabochon birthstone for February.
It is the Zodiac stone for Pisces (Feb 22 - March 21).
It is the 13th wedding anniversary stone.
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