Amethyst

Hardness: 7

Also known as Purple Quartz, Amethyst is the stone of royalty. That regal color comes from trace amounts of iron, manganese and / or aluminum along with the natural exposure to radiation where it grows in the Earth.

Wear or carry Amethyst to provide protection. Place that “natural tranquilizer” under your pillow for calming and stress relief. With its strong healing and cleansing powers, Amethyst is perfect for helping to eliminate addictions like smoking, drinking and drugs. Some of the most vibrant purple Amethyst comes from Uruguay.

Interesting Tidbits: When Amethyst is exposed to heat for prolonged periods of time, (either by underground heat or man made heat) it will become Citrine, a yellow form of quartz.

Prasiolite is green Amethyst. It’s name is derived from Greek, meaning “leek”, a green vegetable.

Purple Amethyst turns to green amethyst when subjected to extreme heat (either volcanic or man made).