The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek "a-methystos" meaning "not drunken,". Wine goblets were often carved from it, and the gemstone still symbolizes sobriety to this day. Traditionally, the color purple has been a symbol for royalty and Amethyst was often used for monarchs and leaders throughout history. It was considered to be the stone of bishops who still often wear amethyst rings. In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it. Amethyst would be very expensive, were it not for its widespread availability, as it is one of the few purple gems out there. This attractive "Emerald" cut Amethyst gem is only very slightly included in clarity and has a classic medium purple color throughout 80% of the stone, with a natural colorless Quartz area on the other end. A very cool UN-treated bicolor gem from Madagascar. Item # AMETHMAD532
