| Amethyst opens and activates the crown chakra, the third eye chakra, and can also open the heart chakra. Amethyst can be used to fight a number of disorders including headaches, insomnia, hearing disorders, heart disorders, digestive system disorders, and has even been thought to help stabilize mental disorders. Amethyst also works emotionally and spiritually by providing patience, balance, calmness, and peace. Availability : Amethyst is a very widely available gemstone which is found in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as a variety of shades of purple. Sources : Though today's major sources of Amethyst are Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia, there are also known deposits of Amethyst in Argentina, Australia, Germany, India, Iran, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United Sates (Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas). Evaluation : Amethyst is rated at 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness. Because of its relative hardness and having no particular warnings for care, Amethyst can be used for all jewelry purposes. Amethyst is found in a variety of hues of purple including deep purple, light lilac, lavender and mauve. The most prized color is a deep, rich, violet body with red rose colored flashes. Though Amethyst is relatively inexpensive when compared with other gemstones, it is the most desirable and the most valuable of all of the Quartz family of Gemstones. The value of Amethyst almost entirely depends on its color. Because Amethyst is readily available in large sizes, the price per carat does not rise a considerable amount as the size / weight increases, making Amethyst a gemstone that provides excellent value for money. Common Cuts : Large, fine quality Amethyst stones are often sold in free sizes, but smaller specimens are cut into all of the commonly recognized shapes / cuts. Lower quality Amethyst specimens are usually carved into ornamental objects or beads, or heat-treated to produce Citrine. Routine Enhancements : Most of the Amethyst gemstones found on the market today have been heat-treated to produce the best color. This method of treatment is considered a permanent treatment and the color should not fade over time. When purchasing Amethyst presume that the stone in question has been heat-treated unless otherwise specified. Care & Cleaning : As with all gemstones, the number one rule of thumb with Amethyst is to try to keep it clean. When cleaning is needed use warm soapy water, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are also usually safe. A steamer can be used to clean Amethyst but it can be risky so should be used with caution, and is really a cleaning method that should be carried out only by experienced jewelers. Never use the chemicals hydrofluoric acid or ammonium fluoride to clean Amethyst because it can erode the stone. With Amethyst gemstones and jewelry you should avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat as prolonged exposure can cause color change. Amethyst jewelry should be kept in a fabric-lined box away from other, harder jewelry items so as to avoid scratching. |
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