Ranging from pale lilac to the more valuable deep purple, amethyst is the most prized member of the quartz family and the birthstone for the month of February.  Early Greek legends and its wine-purple color associated amethyst with Bacchus, the god of wine.  Other legends led to the beliefs that amethyst gems kept their wearers clear-headed and quick-witted in battle and in their business affairs.

Originally found in Russia and South America, amethyst is now found all over the world.  Experts consider African amethyst’s royal purple with reddish overtones to be the gem’s finest color. 

A closely related quartz variety called ametrine contains a striking mixture of two contrasting quartzes – purple amethyst and yellow citrine.  Ametrine deposits are found in Brazil and Bolivia. 

Courtesy of GIA