Green amethysts have grown rapidly in popularity in recent years. Its eye-catching green hue has become a favourite amongst jewellers and collectors as it makes a beautiful centrepiece on all kinds of jewellery. The green shade of this gemstone is more subtle than amethyst, making it a great choice for those who prefer more delicate tones in their jewellery. Green amethyst has a long history and many fascinating associations. If you would like to learn more about this beautiful gemstone, keep reading for our list of 10 interesting facts about green amethyst.
1. The name ‘amethyst’ comes from the Greek ‘amethystos’.
The beautiful name of amethyst does not have such a pretty meaning. In Greek, ‘amethystos’ roughly translates to not being intoxicated. The Greeks would adorn their drinking cups with this gemstone believing that it would aid them in remaining sober throughout the festivities. Some people even crushed the gemstone into their drinks, thinking that consuming it in combination with the alcohol would strengthen green amethysts sobering properties.
2. Green amethyst is thought to have protective properties.
There is evidence that this gemstone was carried by soldiers as it was often thought that green amethyst had protective properties. The gemstone is believed to prevent harm, injury and death. Soldiers believed that wearing it would help them to return home from battle in a fit and well state.
3. The gemstone is believed to aid with mental clarity.
Green amethyst is thought to have the power to protect its wearer from conflict. The gemstone is said to have the ability to calm emotions such as grief and envy. It is these kinds of emotions that tend to cause disagreements between people, so without them there will be less conflict. The gemstone is also said to improve mental clarity to aid the wearer with controlling their own emotions. This will also cause a reduction in conflict.
4. Green amethyst could be the cure for insomnia.
It has been said by many that green amethyst helps with insomnia. If the gemstone is worn throughout the night or kept close to one’s bedside it is thought to have a positive impact on sleep. Although this may be hard to believe for those who are sceptical about the power of crystals, it is certainly worth a try for those who are suffering with insomnia.
5. Naturally formed green amethyst is quite rare.
This gemstone used to be found in Brazil, Poland and Canada. However, since 2019 it has only been found and mined in Brazil. This rarity makes green amethyst even more desirable as it is in high demand. However, the gemstone can be created artificially.
6. A lot of heat is required to create green amethyst.
Green amethyst is made artificially by heating Brazilian amethyst. The gemstone must be heated to temperatures between 470˚C and 750˚C. Amethyst is traditionally purple, but through this heating technique, it can be transformed into shades of yellow, red, brown or green. It can also be removed of all colour. It is important to keep green amethyst jewellery away from extremely high temperatures, as the colour could be altered.
7. Green amethyst is said to be very lucky.
Not only can this gemstone bring a soldier home from battle unscathed and help reduce conflict, it is also said to bring luck. Some believe that green amethyst will bring wealth, fortune and good luck to its wearer. It seems as though the power of green amethyst lies not only in its beauty, but also in the lore that surrounds it.
8. Standard amethyst gemstones are mined in many parts of the world.
Normal amethyst is mined primarily in Africa, but also in Sri Lanka, Borneo and India. It is these gemstones that can be heat treated to create the highly desirable green amethyst. It is a gemstones beauty and rarity that gives it value, and green amethyst had plenty of both.
9. Green amethyst is also known by several other names.
As the green amethyst that is used in jewellery is not always naturally occurring, some believe that it is misleading to refer to it by this name. The gemstone is also referred to using the names prasiolite, vermarine or green quartz.
10. This gemstone has associations with royalty.
Green amethyst is said to have been favoured by many great kings and queen of both ancient and modern times. Some examples of this stunning green gemstone are even featured in the crown jewels. An association with royalty gives this gemstone a sense of prestigiousness and grandeur, making it an incredibly desirable stone for any jewellery collector.
If you are interested in adding this gemstone to your jewellery collection, click here to browse green amethyst jewellery on our website.
What did you think of our 10 interesting facts about green amethyst? Do you know any other fascinating ones? Let us know in the comments below!
