Violets, mauves and deep purples… the unusual hue of this gem has captivated human imagination since the time of the Greeks. Amethyst is essentially a heat -sensitive type of quartz carrying traces of iron and aluminum, which are responsible for its colour. Natural amethysts are known to turn into a pale yellow when exposed to heat. When this process happens naturally due to heat in the earth’s core, amethyst turns into pale, golden yellow citrine, the birthstone of November. Amethysts occur naturally in much of North America and to some extent, also in South Korea. However, much of today’s Amethysts come from very rich mines in Brazil, around the region of Santa Cruz. The story told by the Greeks about the origins of Amethyst is an interesting one. Amethustos was a beautiful maiden who resisted the charms of Dionysus, the greek god of wine. Finally, she turned to the goddess Artemis for protection, who turned Amethustos into a beautiful stone, white for the purity of her heart. As a symbol of his defeat, Dionysus bathed the stone with wine, which is how Amethustos, or Amethyst, got its colour. Even today, many believe the stone has powers to protect against confusion, and promote clarity and focus of the mind. The Romans wore amethysts as talismans against intoxication, and we find that ironic because, with its shimmering hues and smoky allure, intoxication is the best description of the effect this lovely gem has on its beholder. Happy Birthday, February-borns! 
