Types of Amethyst Beads

Known to be the bridge that connects our physical world with the divine realm, amethyst has long been synonymous with spirituality and is closely related to the crown and third-eye chakra. From the frosted mountain tops of Siberia to the lush rainforests of Brazil, this purple stone can be found around the globe. The word ‘amethyst’ is derived from the Greek word “amethystos,” which translates to ‘sober’ and pertains to maintaining a stable and sober mindset.

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Amethyst is a purple variant of quartz that falls under the hexagonal crystal system. It is a semi-precious stone with a glassy luster that can be found in shades of purple and violet. Amethyst is formed in prismatic crystals in hollow rocks or geodes formed in volcanic rocks' cavities. When the rock cools down, gasses, mineral-dense water, and volcanic material crystalize and distill. As these crystals solidify, they turn into amethyst. Generally, amethyst comes in shades of purple but can also sometimes have a reddish-purple hue. Small quantities of amethyst are found in many different locations in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. This beautiful purple stone has been utilized as embellishment for around 2000 years, while its synthetic alternative is much more recent and not very common. 

The amethyst stone has a hardness level of 7 on the Mohs scale, making them highly durable and versatile for all types of jewelry. You will see amethyst in pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets, and it is sometimes carved to make bracelet beads or cuffs. High-quality amethyst is naturally found in Brazil, Siberia, Sri Lanka, Namibia, Uruguay, Australia, America, and the Far East. Regarding the price, the real value of amethyst depends on several factors, such as its color depth and stone size.

Amethyst is found in an array of versions, where each piece has its unique color shade. Types of gemstones comprise lavender amethyst, a lighter purple shade, and Canadian amethyst, a red coat right beneath the surface. Other types of stone include cactus quartz, ametrine, and Veracruz amethyst.

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Natural amethyst is also available in a synthetic version, primarily produced in a lab. The synthesis process allows the crystals to grow inside a high-pressure autoclave, producing a stone that mimics the best quality amethyst. Synthetic amethyst can also be found in the same hues of purple and reddish-purple as natural amethyst, but it is a lot cheaper and easy to manufacture. It was popularized almost 20 years ago, given its natural counterpart, tough competition. Synthetic amethyst may look similar to natural, but its natural healing properties certainly differ.

The primary difference between a crystal and a stone is that a stone is formed with non-metallic solid mineral matter. On the other hand, crystals are made up of ions, molecules, and atoms arranged in recurring patterns that give them a solid form. Amethyst belongs to the quartz family, thus characterized as a semi-precious stone. However, it can also come in crystal formation since it is generally created as a crystal lining inside a basalt rock.  

The first step in amethyst acquiring its purple color starts during crystal formation. During this time, small amounts of iron are added to a growing quartz crystal. Once crystallization has been complete, gamma rays emitted by radioactive components inside the host rock lighten up the iron until the color purple is produced. 

The intensity of the amethyst’s color can differ from one part of the crystal to the next. This color variation is called 'color zoning', and is caused by different quantities of iron being added to the crystal during various stages of crystal growth.

Amethyst crystals grow gradually, and the fluid composition that delivers the silica and iron required for crystal growth can differ. The darkest shade of the stone is formed when high quantities of iron are added to the growing crystal. This results in color zoning, which then influences the value and marketability of the amethyst.

In Greek mythology, the god of wine, Dionysus, gave the amethyst stone special powers to protect the wearer from alcohol intoxication. This explains the etymology of amethyst, derived from amethystos, meaning sober. The wine was drunk from goblets with amethyst stones embedded in them to keep a balanced mindset, and the stone was placed on the diseased to remove the infection. Today, people who struggle with alcohol addiction wear amethyst as an amulet of mental support and clarity. 

On the other hand, ancient Egyptians believed that the amethyst stone provided protection and courage to the wearer and that princess Cleopatra was said to have worn an amethyst ring. The English regalia was also decorated with the stone during the Middle Ages to signify royalty, making the stone date back to early 2000 BC. 

Certain historical accounts also suggest that Saint Valentine had an amethyst ring carved in the shape of a cupid and that the stone was one of the 12 gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Amethyst was held in high regard for a long time and was seen as one of the most precious gemstones, usually favored by royalty or clergy members.

In many cultures, amethyst is regarded as the 6th wedding anniversary gemstone. They offer a relaxed and calming energy to the couple so they can happily enter their next year of marriage.

Before the 19th century, the amethyst stone was deemed very valuable and expensive and only accessible to the wealthiest. Since then, however, large deposits of the precious gemstone have been discovered all around the globe, making it a more widely available and affordable option. Amethyst is now one of the most popular gemstones used for both its aesthetic and healing qualities and has been prized throughout history. It was thought to improve intelligence, control evil thoughts, heal battle wounds, help soldiers gain victory, protect people from contagious diseases, and ward off evil presence. It was known for its ability to bring forth the purest and highest aspirations of mankind. Sobriety, chastity, and control over one’s thought process were all qualities believed to be enhanced by wearing the stone.

During early Christianity, amethyst was associated with Jesus Christ since its color was reminiscent of the wounds inflicted on him during his crucifixion. In addition, it decorated the breastplate of the high priest Aaron and later stood for the Dan Tribe of Israel. The spirits of Guardian Angel Adnachiel and Apostle Matthias are also associated with amethyst.

A stone of piety and celibacy, amethyst later became the top choice for bishops and other members of the clergy, who used it to adorn crosses.

During the Renaissance period, amethyst became a symbol of modesty and humility. Throughout the ages, rich and powerful kings have used the stone to boast royalty, and some amethyst crystals even decorate the British Crown Jewels. Legend has it that this beautiful purple gemstone was also a favorite of the Russian Queen Catherine. 

In the old days, purple was costly and challenging to create, making it the symbol of royalty. In particular, British royalty was fond of amethyst, and the stone has made appearances in numerous important coronation places. Queen Elizabeth II also used to own a special amethyst jewelry set, consisting of a necklace and brooches that had been passed down to her from Queen Victoria’s mother. 

In more recent times, the famous jewelry aficionado Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, made heads turn when she wore a lavish amethyst bib-necklace designed by Cartier to a gala in Versailles in 1953.

Even though many people associate ancient Egypt with gemstones such as turquoise, carnelian, and lapis lazuli, evidence suggests they were also fond of amethyst. Jewelry containing amethyst crystals dates back to 3000 BCE and has been unearthed in different archaeological digs. The stone was also a favorite among the pharaohs, as it was believed to safeguard the wearer from misfortune and evil. It was generally carved in the shape of a sacred animal or god and worn as a talisman for good luck. Among the many treasures discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb, a large amethyst bracelet was one of them. 

Ancient Egyptians also used amethyst to represent the zodiac sign associated with the goat. This is because goats were considered the enemies of vineyards and vines, thus the cure for wine intoxication.
 

Whether you adore amethyst for its looks or healing attributes, you will find its appeal with both ancient and modern royalty.  

The amethyst stone comes in primary shades of a light pinkish violet color to a darker purple color. It may exhibit one or multiple secondary hues, including blue and red. The light lavender or lilac shade has been advertised as "Rose de France" and has become widely adored due to heavy marketing. Many amethyst enthusiasts look for the deepest shade of purple they can find. Although the darker shades are more valuable, they tend to be less sparkly when compared to the slightly lighter shades. If you are looking for a livelier stone, consider opting for a medium to dark shade. 

The striking purple color of the gemstone goes well with every type of metal and can complement every jewelry look. In addition to these types, amethyst comes in shades of blue, pink, and chevron.

Generally, the amethyst stone is "eye-clean," a term used to describe a gemstone devoid of inclusions evident to the naked eye. Real amethyst crystals are usually very clear in appearance, which is a good indicator of whether or not the stone is authentic.

When exposed to sun or heat for long periods, the color of the amethyst stone can fade away. The stone can also be damaged by ammonium fluoride, hydrofluoric acid, and alkaline solutions. So, store it in a cool place, away from direct UV rays, chemicals, or heat sources. Store each piece of amethyst jewelry in a padded container or soft microfiber cloth to ensure that it does not touch or scrape other metals. Moreover, proper and regular crystal cleaning is also a must to maintain its luster. Avoid cleaning the stone with steam and stick to warm, soapy water for the best results. You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner once in a while to clean the amethyst.  

Amethyst beads come in a variety of shades and shapes. Its colors range from light lilac to dark purple, which resembles black. Unlike other gemstones, the value of an amethyst stone is determined by its color rather than its carat weight, and the most prized beads are those with a dark purple tint with reddish hints. You can choose from six types of amethyst beads depending on your liking and budget. These include purple, pink, ametrine, cape, mossy, and prasiolite.

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• Purple amethyst beads: purple beads are the most authentic to amethyst, thus, more popular than other options—the deeper the shade of purple, the more valuable the beads. 
  
  
•  Ametrine beads: Ametrine is an entirely different gemstone, but it still falls within the category of amethyst. It is a combined form of amethyst and citrine. The stone was unavailable in the market until the 1970s, when it gained popularity in Bolivia. Ametrine is a stone attributed to connection and balance and is believed to relieve tension, bring calmness, enhance creativity, and balance self-confidence and mental stability. You can find it in various shades, from light lavender to dark purple to yellowish purple to yellowish orange. When combined with lavender amethyst, ametrine looks stunning. 
  
  
•  Pink amethyst beads: Pink amethyst is a type of real amethyst formed when Hematite is incorporated into its formation. It was recently discovered in 2019, and the beautiful pink hue makes for an excellent gemstone to incorporate into different jewelry pieces. Even though very aesthetically appealing, pink amethyst beads are thought to be the least valuable among other types of amethyst since they contain only a very light hue of purple. Nevertheless, pink amethyst has been gaining recognition for its soft and feminine qualities, which protect against negative energies, offer comfort during times of distress, and bring mental clarity. Due to its light and pretty color, pink amethyst beads make a fantastic option that can be easily paired with other kinds of jewelry. 
  
  
• Mossy amethyst beads: Named after the mossy veins evident throughout the stone, moss amethyst is a part of amethyst with small quantities of Rutile. It has a hardness level similar to amethyst on the Moh’s scale, making it a perfect option for manufacturing gemstone beads. It comes in various light and dark shades, and small veins are visible throughout the bead.
  
  
• Cape amethyst beads: Cape amethyst is an ametrine stone with hints of milky white quartz and is one of the rarest gemstones available. It combines purple amethyst and yellow citrine to form a single crystal. This phenomenon rarely occurs in nature, making cape amethyst beads very valuable. The beautiful purple and white mix makes this gemstone eye-catching and an ideal option to incorporate into your jewelry collection.
  
  
• Prasiolite amethyst beads: Also referred to as vermarine and green quartz, prasiolite is a yellow-green variety of quartz. Most of this gemstone is produced by heating natural amethyst in a lab oven to around 500 degrees Celsius, which changes the amethyst’s purple color to green or yellowish green. It also features the same hardness level of 7 on the Moh’s scale as real amethyst. Much of the prasiolite sold nowadays is light in saturation and color. It is believed that the stone brings good luck and improved interpersonal relationships.

The purple shades of amethyst beads are comparatively easier to pair with other metals and colors, making them a great option to add to your collection. For instance, purple stones contrast nicely with yellow and green-tinted stones, such as citrine and emerald beads. However, if you are trying to make the purple in your amethyst the center of attention, choose neutral-toned gems like morganite and calcite. 

White gold goes exceptionally well with amethyst and makes for a chic and classy statement piece. Moreover, metals such as brass and copper also complement a piece of amethyst jewelry.

Amethyst is a highly prized gemstone due to its distinct shades and shapes. You can pair it with most jewelry pieces to elevate your overall look. The dark purple stones are the classic statement gems, while the lighter pastels are ideal for everyday wear. Whichever shade or style of amethyst you choose, you will love the effortless allure and variety that the gemstone beads offers. 

Depending on your style, personal preferences, and budget, you can choose a range of amethyst stones to best suit your needs. Click here to see our selection.