Amethyst is a precious kind of quartz deeply-saturated purple color. The mineral got its name from Ancient Greek language meaning “not drunk”.
There is legend saying that once God of Winemaking turned a beautiful nymph into gemstone because she wasn’t interested in his romantic pursuit. Since then the Ancient Greeks considered amethyst a guard stone against alcoholism. They incrusted it into jewelry and cups and used those whenever there was a party or a holiday.
The mineral’s main feature is its color. It varies from bleak to dark, almost black. When talking jewelry business, rose and crimson toned ones are the most valuable.
Amethyst was well-known for thousands of years. For example, Ancient Greeks and Romans used to make seals out of it, while Chinese carved out vials and small caskets out of brighter colored amethysts. It’s history in jewelry industry starts in Europe around 18th century.
Russians valued the mineral for its transparency, clearness and unique color range. At the time, things made out of purple quartz were considered high-class. The mining museum showcases amethysts from Brazilian, Caucasus and Ural deposits as well as samples from the Emperor Alexander II private collection.
Amethyst Sceptre-like crystals, Lipovka, the Urals
Amethyst with calcite Geode, Idjevan, Caucasus
Amethyst, Brazil
Amethyst Druse of crystals Murzinka, the Urals,
A present of Emperor Alexander II, 1838
