Throughout history, amethyst's royal purple colour has made it one of the most popular and well-known gemstones. The ancient Greeks thought it had magical and medicinal properties and fine amethysts have been set in royal crown jewels for centuries. The finest amethysts are a strongly saturated, medium-dark to dark reddish purple or purple.
Amethysts were once considered an equal to rubies, emeralds and sapphires. In the nineteenth century, a huge amethyst deposit was discovered in Brazil, and the once scarce purple gem suddenly became plentiful. Due to its availability and affordability, amethyst is a desirable gemstone for jewellery.
