Amethyst Crystal Meaning and Uses

what does amethyst do

Amethyst Crystal Meaning and Uses

Amethyst Crystal Meaning and Uses and Healing properties 

The magic of amethyst crystal has been known for centuries. Here is a deep dive into a potent crystal ally to have by your side and one that people tend to encounter pretty early on in their journey with gemstones. With its unique history, healing properties, uses, and meanings, let's get deep with amethyst. 

Introduction to Amethyst 

Amethyst is a beautiful purple-colored crystal that is known to have a range of benefits. This stone is particularly well-known for its ability to balance energy centers and help activate the Ajna chakra, which is the third eye chakra. When used in meditation or placed in your home, amethyst can help bring positive energy and protect you from negative energy.

It is one of the most popular crystals for protection due to its ability to purify and cleanse the energy in your environment. Whether you are looking to balance your energy, increase your intuition, or simply create a more positive atmosphere, an amethyst stone may be just what you need. By incorporating this powerful crystal into your life, you can experience the many benefits that amethyst has to offer.

Amethyst forms in clusters ranging in color from light purple to deep translucent violets with a milky white base. It has been used in jewelry, amulets, rituals, and spiritual practices in many parts of the world. This gemstone helps clear and align the chakras, enhances spiritual and divine connections, and acts as a stone of protection. 

It is also a very balancing stone that can bring harmony to a variety of experiences. It is associated with the upper chakras, the Crown and Third Eye, further demonstrating its effects on the mind. Here are some key amethyst themes: 

  • Divine connections
  • Spiritual awakenings
  • Aura protection
  • Releasing addictions
  • Soothes emotions
  • Calms nerves and mental body
  • Energetic cleansing and clearing
  • Support with intuition and psychic abilities 

Amethyst’s Use In History 

The ancients knew of the magical and healing properties of stones. According to The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian amethyst has been used as early as 25000 BCE. This stone has been with humans for quite some time, formed into jewelry, and worn as protective amulets. Amethyst was used on the breastplate of the priests of ancient Israel and used extensively by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians for a variety of purposes. 

Amethyst Use in Ancient Greece…

  • Used to prevent intoxication
  • Temper emotions 
  • Support peace of mind 

Amethyst takes its name from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ meaning ‘not-intoxicated’. And this is exactly what it was used for at that time. Its lore is tied to the ancient Greek god of wine, Dionysus who poured wine over the stone giving it its fantastic purple color. The Greeks would decorate drinking vessels using amethyst to prevent drunkenness and cure other addictions. 

Today, amethyst can be seen as energetic or spiritual support when you are dealing with substance addiction or addictive thought patterns. While it cannot physically take away drunkenness or addiction, it can be a spiritual ally on your life’s path when dealing with these things.  

Amethyst Use in Ancient Egypt…

  • Used to ward off negative energies
  • Used in magical workings
  • Carved into talismans

Amethyst has been mined in Ancient Egypt for thousands of years. It was used most frequently to make protective talismans, amulets, and jewelry. For example, amethysts were carved into the shape of a scarab beetle and used as a protective seal due to the scarab beetle being a sacred symbol and spirit of regenerative power. Amethyst has been found in tombs in the form of talismans and jewelry which would have been used for adornment, magic, healing, and protection by the peoples of ancient Egypt. 

Amethyst in Spirituality

Amethyst is certainly known for its spiritual properties. It works especially on the Crown and Third Eye Chakra, supporting you on a journey of spiritual growth. It aids in opening up your awareness of the divine and interweaving the spiritual and the mundane as well as aiding in accessing your subconscious dream realm. 

Crown Chakra: Divine Connections

Like the purple of the amethyst, the Crown Chakra is also the violet color of divine awakening. When searching for your purpose in life, your path, and aligning your mundane life with your spiritual life’s path, amethyst can be a helpful crystal. It can bring you into alignment with who you are from the deepest layer of your soul to your most Divine Self. 

Amethyst is very supportive if you are engaging in regular spiritual practices to harmonize your spirit and balance your being. Meditating while holding a piece of amethyst can open up intuition and put you in touch with the Divine and angelic or celestial realms. This gemstone brings an overall sense of calm, peace, and ease into spiritual practices, carrying you into deeper and more opening states of meditation. 

third eye candle amethyst

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Third Eye Opener

When it comes to intuitive and psychic opening work, amethyst is an excellent and very accessible stone to have with you. The Third Eye Chakra in conjunction with the Crown Chakra, brings in visions, awareness of the spirit realms, and sometimes prophetic messages. Amethyst helps you stay aligned, protected, and self-aware as you open up these abilities.

It is also a very good stone to use in divination, such as in the form of a pendulum, as amethyst carries the inherent ancient wisdom of the Universe. It can guide you towards potent spiritual truths while maintaining a sense of poise and balance in your spiritual practices. 

For Dreaming

Amethyst can also aid in dreaming. For example, the Hebrew word for amethyst

comes from the root word ‘to dream’ and it has been used as a powerful dream enhancer throughout history. 

Here is a little Third Eye amethyst dreaming ritual you can try for prophetic insights:

  1. Before you go to bed, place a piece of amethyst under your pillow along with a note or statement of a question or information you want clarity around. 
  2. Close your eyes and tune into your Third Eye Chakra 
  3. Keep your awareness of the Third Eye as you ask amethyst to bring you the information you seek in your dreams 
  4. Then drift off to sleep, keeping your question or thought in mind as you go to bed

A Special Stone of Protection

Like the ancient Egyptians, amethyst’s protective qualities are still utilized by people today. This gemstone is able to create a protective barrier or layer around the aura. It generates a sort of energetic cloak, warding off harmful energies. 

In addition, amethyst supports intuitive development, therefore, working with the stone can help you attune to situations with more discernment. You can sense with more ease when a situation is causing you more harm than helping. 

It aligns you with your Divine spark and the aspect of your spirit that can see the bigger picture. This gemstone supports you in finding the way through situations and remaining present to different levels of awareness. 

Wear amethyst as a protection talisman and hold onto it anytime you need extra strength standing your ground and maintaining your boundaries. It is especially supportive when you are in crowded spaces as it can help you form a gentle energetic force field around you to deflect other people's emotions so you can remain centered in yourself.  

amethyst bracelet

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Amethyst’s Metaphysical Healing Properties 

Amethyst has a myriad of healing properties. In addition to the information already mentioned, amethyst is especially supportive for those dealing with frayed nerves or overwrought nervous systems. 

As amethyst is associated with the upper chakras and therefore the mind and mental body, it can be a great gemstone for those who tend to get stuck in their heads. If you are intensely heady or cerebral and need to pull yourself out of these headspaces from time to time, amethyst can be a big help. Holding onto a piece of amethyst during these times can bring you into your body and help settle your mind. 

This gemstone was known by the ancient Greeks to help calm anger and runaway passions. It brings things that are out of hand back into moderation so you don’t get overwhelmed or buried by intensity. 

Amethyst is great if you are undergoing treatments, therapy, or other health journeys as a supportive friend along the way. Meditating regularly with this stone while in a recovery process can open the way for gentle supportive moments of mindfulness and de-stressing. 

It can hold you through difficult moments along with the ups and downs that come with health and wellness challenges. Amethyst soothes the mental body from over-analyzing and can be especially supportive to air signs including, Gemini, Aquarius, and Libra if their emotions feel too abstracted. 

This gemstone clears the energy field, bringing a sense of cleansing to the aura and mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. Amethyst brings in new perspectives and ways of seeing things so you can understand situations from your deepest place of inner wisdom. 

AMETHYST SHAPES

AMETHYST SPHERES

amethyst crystal sphere

A popular crystal, the amethyst sphere is a unique and polished crystal that takes on a spherical shape. It's believed to symbolize wholeness, karma, and respect for cyclical energies, providing a sense of oneness with the universe. Not only is the amethyst sphere visually appealing, it can also be used for divination purposes, as it emits frequencies that help settle your aura. Known for strengthening intuition, it's also a powerful healing stone that can relieve anxiety and loneliness. With its stunning shape and texture, the amethyst sphere can be a beautiful addition to your home décor, adding a touch of natural elegance to any space.

Amethyst Clusters

amethyst crystal cluster

Amethyst cluster formation is a fascinating process that results in a beautiful and unique crystal formation. Amethyst clusters are made up of numerous smaller amethyst crystals that grow together in a shared matrix. These clusters are renowned for their beauty and spiritual properties, believed to promote balance and harmony while warding off negative energy. They are also known for their ability to enhance intuition and spiritual awareness.

AMETHYST POINTS

amethyst crystal point

Amethyst crystal points are a popular choice among crystal enthusiasts due to their unique energy directing properties. These points are carefully cut and polished to form a crystal with a sharp point, making them ideal for directing energy in a specific direction. Amethyst crystal points are particularly useful for promoting relaxation, intuition, and spiritual awareness. Placing an amethyst crystal point in a room can help purify the energy, creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

 

TUMBLED AMETHYST STONES

amethyst crystal tumble

Amethyst crystal tumbles are a versatile and popular choice for those looking to enhance their meditation and Reiki practices. These small, polished stones are perfect for carrying in your pocket or using in meditation and healing work. Amethyst is renowned for its calming and balancing properties, helping to promote relaxation and spiritual awareness. Using amethyst crystal tumbles in your meditation practice can help enhance your intuition and deepen your connection with the universe. They can also be used in Reiki sessions to help balance and align the chakras, promoting overall wellbeing and healing.

 

AMETHYST FAQ

What is amethyst good for?

Amethyst is a versatile crystal known for its calming energy and spiritual properties. It promotes relaxation, enhances intuition, and aids in meditation. Amethyst is also believed to protect against negative energies and improve sleep quality. While it offers many benefits, it's important to note that amethyst is not a substitute for professional medical care.

What color is amethyst?

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz.

 

How to cleanse amethyst?

To cleanse amethyst, you can use methods such as rinsing it under running water, soaking it in salt water, smudging it with sage, placing it in moonlight or sunlight, or using other crystals like clear quartz or selenite to cleanse its energy.

 

Can amethyst go in water?

Yes, amethyst is generally safe to use in water. However, it's always recommended to check the specific properties of the amethyst you have, as some variations might be more sensitive to water exposure.

Where is amethyst found?

Amethyst is found in various locations around the world, with notable deposits in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Zambia, South Korea, Russia, and the United States (specifically in Arizona and North Carolina). These regions are rich in quartz deposits, and amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. Each location produces amethyst with unique characteristics, ranging from pale lilac to deep purple hues.

How is amethyst formed?

Amethyst is formed within the Earth's crust through a combination of geological processes. It begins as silica-rich solutions that contain iron. When these solutions cool and crystallize, they form quartz crystals. The purple color in amethyst comes from trace amounts of iron and other elements present during its formation.

Amethyst can be found in geodes, which are hollow rocks lined with crystals. These geodes form in cavities within volcanic rocks or sedimentary rocks where mineral-rich water flows. Over time, the water evaporates, leaving behind deposits of minerals like quartz, which, under the right conditions, develop into amethyst crystals. This natural process takes thousands to millions of years, creating the beautiful and spiritually significant gemstone known as amethyst.

How to tell if amethyst is real

Identifying real amethyst involves looking for specific characteristics:

  1. Color: Genuine amethyst typically ranges from pale lilac to deep purple. Be cautious if the color is too vivid or uniform.

  2. Inclusions: Real amethyst often contains inclusions, which are natural materials trapped inside the crystal. These inclusions can include lines, bubbles, or other minerals.

  3. Texture: Amethyst should have a smooth, polished surface with no scratches or bubbles.

  4. Price: Extremely low prices might indicate fake or synthetic amethyst.

  5. Hardness: Amethyst is a relatively hard mineral (7 on the Mohs scale), so it shouldn’t scratch easily.

  6. Temperature: Genuine amethyst feels cool to the touch, even in a warm room.

If you're uncertain, it's always best to buy from reputable sources or consult with a gemologist.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, amethyst is a great all-purpose stone and can support you in a variety of ways. It is especially excellent for protection and as an all-around cleansing and clearing stone. Amethyst aligns you with your divine will and opens up your connection with universal healing and wisdom. It has been used by humans for millennia and continues to be a powerful teacher, guide, and ally for anyone on a spiritual path towards truth and spiritual awakening. 

Amethyst is a beautiful gemstone that has been cherished throughout history for its deep purple hue and many benefits. The GIA website provides a wealth of information about this precious stone, including how it is formed and where it is found, as well as its physical and chemical properties. Amethyst is often used in jewelry and its value is determined by factors such as color and clarity. 

 

Sources

Phillips, J., (2010) “Egyptian Amethyst in the Bronze Age Aegean”, Journal of Ancient Egyptian Interconnections 1(2), p.9-25. doi: https://doi.org/10.2458/azu_jaei_v01i2_phillips 

 

Learn more about Crystals for the Third eye here.. 

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