|
Amethyst is actually a variety of quartz, and
therefore fairly common, but its beauty makes it a highly popular
gem. It is distinguished from other quartz variants by its purple
color. Typically, it is found in long crystals that terminate in a
six-sided pyramid at each end, but it can also form in crystalline
crusts that show only the pointed terminations.
Amethysts are mined throughout Elanthia.
Amethysts are associated with the Arkati Cholen,
who reigns over wine, festivals, and merrymaking. In the
Turamzzyrian Empire, it is said that, whenever a libation is poured
in Cholen's name, an amethyst will grow in the earth. It may be for
this reason that amethysts are regarded as the sovereign charm
against drunkenness.
Supposedly, a musical instrument will play more
purely if it has been set with an amethyst. Although the virtue of
the amethyst is honored among bards of all races and supported by
the experience of the Bard Guild, some Illistim scholars suspect
that the belief stems from a practice in Ta’Loenthra, where a
magnificent bardic competition is held once every ten years.
Traditionally, the reigning monarch presents the winning musician
with an amethyst-inlaid harp strung with silver, and replicas of
such harps have long been the joy of unscrupulous merchants
throughout Elanthia.
In traditional elven heraldry, the amethyst is the
signature jewel of House Loenthra. An elf that particularly pleases
the monarch of Ta'Loenthra (or a royal representative with the
appropriate authority) may be honored with the right to display an
amethyst in his or her crest.
Magically, amethysts are unresponsive except to
spells relating to manipulation. Few are aware of this property on
the continent of Elanthia, although it is common knowledge among
Erithian savants
Quartz,
the most common single mineral includes many varieties and
sub-varieties. Amethyst is the name given to the variety that is
transparent and light to dark purple in color. Although amethyst is
found on almost every continent, the dark transparent and clean
stones are relatively rare and always in demand.
The legend of the origin of
amethyst comes from a Greek myth. Bacchus, the god of wine, was
angered one day by an insult from a mere mortal and swore revenge on
the next mortal that would cross his path. In order to perform
this, he created fierce tigers. Along came the unsuspecting
Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the
goddess Diana. Diana turned Amethyst into a statue of pure
crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws of the
tigers. Bacchus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at
the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears stained the
quartz purple, creating the gem we know today.
Because amethyst was thought to encourage
celibacy and symbolize piety, it was very important in the
ornamentation of Catholic and other churches in the Middle Ages.
Amethyst in particular was considered the stone of bishops and some
still wear amethyst rings.
Amethyst was considered a strong antidote
against drunkenness and the gemstone still symbolizes sobriety.
Ceremonial wine is frequently drunk from goblets fashioned from it. Leonardo DaVinci wrote that amethyst was able to
dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.
Purple has long been considered a royal color
so it is not surprising that amethyst has been so much in demand
during history. Some fine amethysts are featured in the British
Crown Jewels and have been a favorite with such diverse figures as
Egyptian royalty to Catherine the Great, who sent thousand of
workers to the Uralian mines to search for the best quality, thus
creating the Siberian grade.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the
gemstone for the astrological sign of Pisces. Amethyst is the
anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 6th year of marriage. |
