Amethyst is a type of quartz which accounts for its crystalline appearance. Its color can vary from near white to a very dark purple. The coloring of the mineral is produced by the presence of iron. While it is not highly valuable, its physical characteristics make it look similar to gemstones.
Amethyst is quite common like other types of quartz and is found on many continents. In South America it can be discovered in Brazil and Uruguay. The African nations of Namibia and Zambia also possess the mineral. Russia and India have the mineral too, and in the U.S. it is found in many states from Montana to Maine. Amethyst deposits also can be found in Virginia, on Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula and in North Carolina. Deposits are also in Yellowstone National Park.
Leonardo da Vinci once wrote that amethyst "dissipates evil thoughts and quickens the intelligence." Other unique beliefs have been applied to amethysts for centuries, including the idea that they could promote pleasant dreams. The ancient Greeks believed that amethyst could protect you from drunkenness. People in the Middle Ages believed that amethyst staved off drunkenness and that the wearer was a pious person. Because of these factors amethyst became a significant gemstone to the Catholic church as well as other churches of the period.
Amethyst was greatly valued throughout history by many cultures such as the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. It was used in amulets, cups and types of jewelry. Until later discoveries of large amounts of it were found in countries around the world, it was perceived as a very rare gemstone. Even though it is not very valuable anymore due to its lack of rarity, it is one of the oldest gemstones that we know about. It has even been found in Egyptian tombs from millennia ago.