Transparent purple quartz. The name originates from the Greek "amethystos" meaning "not drunken" because it was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness.

Greek legend tells the story of a maiden named Amethystos who was pursued by a drunken god called Dionysus. She prayed to the goddess Artemis to remain chaste. The goddess granted her prayer, transforming her into a white stone. Filled with remorse Dionysus cried tears of wine over the stone turning it purple.

Different places produce amethyst unique to that particular region or even to that particular mine. It is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina, Zambia, Namibia and other African countries. Very dark amethyst, mostly in small sizes, is also mined in Australia. Source: Encyclopedia of gemstones and minerals.