Amethyst Loose Gemstones

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz, which usually occurs in crystals, forming very beautiful specimens. The coloring is supposed to be due to manganese. Amethyst is found in Siberia, India, Ceylon and numerous other places. In the United States it occurs in largest quantities around Thunder Bay on Lake Superior. The oriental amethyst is a lovely and costly gem, and is a variety of corundum. The Greeks believed amethyst to be a protection against the effects of intoxicating liquors and hence gave its name, which means without wine. It was worn by those addicted to drunkenness. It is needless to say that it has never been known to effect a cure.