The color of an amethyst comes from irradiation, iron impurities. The hardness of the mineral is the same as quartz, but it is able to be used for jewelry.
The greeks believed amethyst gems could prevent intoxication. Medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection because they believed it healed people and kept them cool-headed.
Amethysts form from the pressure in the ground. Amethysts form at Brazil and Uruguay.
Amethysts have healing power and help with emotional issues, and in Energy Healing