BY KRIS MCELHINNEY

Beautiful stone showing the different colors possible in one stone.

Photo courtesy of Ilze Lucero and used with permission.

Raw amethyst Chevron. Photo courtesy of www.thecrystalman. com and used with permission.

Amethyst colors range from a beautiful, rich deep purple to pale lavender and almost every shade in between. The uses for this beautiful stone are as varied as its purple hues from jewelry to the metaphysical.

Let’s first explore the legend surrounding the origin of the amethyst and then look at both historical and current metaphysical uses.

THE LEGEND OF AMETHYSTE

According to legend, the wine god Bacchus sought vengeance for an insult and vowed that the next person he met would be devoured by his tigers. While on her way to worship at the shrine of the goddess Diana, a beautiful young maiden named Amethyste had the great misfortune to be that next person. True to his word, Bacchus sent his tigers after her. Diana, wanting to protect Amethyste from Bacchus’ cruelty turned the maiden into a beautiful white crystal.

Bacchus upon seeing the stunning crystal immediately regretted his cruelty and unfairness. As an offering he poured the grape wine from his goblet onto the white crystal, staining Amethyste a glorious purple color.

Thus the amethyst stone was born.