Amethyst meaning: amethyst is one of the most powerful crystals you can find.

Amethyst is a violet to purple quartz gemstone that is often found in its crystal form. Its beauty and low price make this an excellent stone for any occasion.

Amethyst crystals and stones are very powerful, most stones are only focused on a single aspect. However the metaphysical properties of amethyst are focused on several different fields.

List of Gemstone Meanings: For our full list of gemstone meanings.

Amethyst Meaning

The first one is the use as a calming stone. It helps cope with stress by calming your mental state.

The easiest way to use it is to put it under your pillow before you go to sleep, where it will ward of sleeplessness and nightmares. Nothing helps more with reducing stress than a good night’s sleep.

The second amethyst meaning is protection, most notably protection from addiction. Even the name amethyst refers to this as you can find below under myths and legends.

Wearing it calms the mind and puts off the need to feed the addiction. It offers protection from poison and hostile spells as well.

The last meaning of amethyst is spiritual. Amethyst stones symbolize chastity, piety and trust. Amethyst became the gemstone of the Catholic Church and even today many bishops and cardinals wear it.

A large number of relics from the Middle Ages are lined with amethyst crystals, even though they were quite rare in those days.

It also boosts psychic abilities and spiritual awareness, making meditation even more powerful. Amethyst is the birthstone of February. Its astrological signs are: Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius, and Capricorn. Its main chakra is the crown.

Amethyst Meaning: Legends and Myths

There are many myths surrounding the amethyst, most of which attribute certain powers to the stone. In fact the name amethyst itself comes from the Ancient Greek words a- (not) and methustos (intoxicated). The Greeks and Romans would make mugs from an amethyst cluster believing it would prevent them from becoming drunk.

Another legend has it that the amethyst would protect the wearer from harm, but only if they showed bravery. This made amethysts a very popular stone for soldiers. This meaning of amethyst has faded with time and nowadays the protection it offers is on a spiritual and psychological level, rather than physical protection.

In ancient times the amethyst was associated with the Hebrew religion as a symbol of the Spirit of God. The breastplate of Aaron, the Jewish high priest, had 12 different gemstones on it, the basis of today’s birthstones. At the center was the amethyst which gave him revelations and spiritual visions.

More recently, during the Renaissance, the meaning changed once again. This time to humility and modesty. Royalty was especially enamored with this and some of the most prized pieces of jewelry from that era are adorned with amethysts. Usually in combination with other traditional gemstones such as rubies and diamonds.

Amethyst Healing Properties

The healing properties of amethyst mostly deal with the blood and breathing. Amethyst cleanses the blood, which helps with substance abuse and fevers. While breathing is helped by the calming effect of this gemstone. To get the most effect out of your amethyst stone or crystal it should be placed in the sun. Direct sunlight is best, be aware however that it can soften the purple color.

Disclaimer: Amethyst should not be used instead of regular medical treatment, but in addition to treatments. Always seek professional help when dealing with health related problems.