AMETHYST
Amethyst is a violet colored quartz used in jewelry. The ancient Greeks not only wore amethyst, they made drinking vessels decorated with it in the belief that it would prevent drunkenness.
Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February as well. It is included in royal jewel collections all over the world, like ancient Egypt and the British crown jewels.
Amethyst also has many mythical powers. It is believed to detoxify the body and ancient Chinese medicine believed it healed stomach pains and bad dreams. It is a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Most amethyst today has been heat treated to produce a deeper color. This process is permanent and prevents fading of the gemstone over time. Whether you seek the mythological properties or just the sultry appearance this gem is a favorite to many.