Description
Lavender amethyst beads are cut from a pale, subtly striped variety of amethyst. This semiprecious gemstone is a lower grade of amethyst, so beads cut from it are more economically priced than darker, more translucent amethyst beads. Despite displaying less clarity, these semiprecious beads still provide a pleasant pastel purple hue that's unusual in the gemstone world.
Amethyst is the most highly prized variety of quartz and if not for its widespread availability, would be very expensive. It is the official birthstone for February and one of our best-selling gemstones. Amethyst is formed in silica-rich liquids deposited in gas cavities (geodes) in lava. It occurs in crystalline masses, but the crystals are generally not well developed, so they are generally found as clusters of crystal points. The stone's name is derived from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not drunken," because people of ancient times believed it to protect the wearer from drunkenness. For this reason, wine goblets often were carved from it! Some amethysts will lose their color in sunlight, so keep them away from direct exposure to help maintain their rich purple.
In addition to "preventing" drunkenness, people also once thought the stone encouraged celibacy and symbolized piety. Amethyst was therefore very important in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. In Tibet, amethyst is considered sacred to Buddha, and malas or rosaries are often fashioned from it. Western mystics say the stone helps instill the highest ideals and urges one to do what is right. They also claim amethyst cures impatience, alleviates feelings of victimization, balances high energy, eliminates chaos and helps keep one grounded. The official state gemstone of the state of Georgia, amethyst is mined in the U.S.A., Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Zambia, Namibia and other African countries.
Amethyst is the most highly prized variety of quartz and if not for its widespread availability, would be very expensive. It is the official birthstone for February and one of our best-selling gemstones. Amethyst is formed in silica-rich liquids deposited in gas cavities (geodes) in lava. It occurs in crystalline masses, but the crystals are generally not well developed, so they are generally found as clusters of crystal points. The stone's name is derived from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not drunken," because people of ancient times believed it to protect the wearer from drunkenness. For this reason, wine goblets often were carved from it! Some amethysts will lose their color in sunlight, so keep them away from direct exposure to help maintain their rich purple.
In addition to "preventing" drunkenness, people also once thought the stone encouraged celibacy and symbolized piety. Amethyst was therefore very important in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. In Tibet, amethyst is considered sacred to Buddha, and malas or rosaries are often fashioned from it. Western mystics say the stone helps instill the highest ideals and urges one to do what is right. They also claim amethyst cures impatience, alleviates feelings of victimization, balances high energy, eliminates chaos and helps keep one grounded. The official state gemstone of the state of Georgia, amethyst is mined in the U.S.A., Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Zambia, Namibia and other African countries.
See Related Products links (below) for similar items and additional jewelry-making supplies that are often used with this item.
Details
Sold by: |
strand |
Color: |
Lavender |
Size: |
Graduated |
Additional Info: |
16" strand |
Country of Origin: |
China |
Hole Size: |
1.0-2.5mm |
Shape: |
Rectangle |
