Amethyst quartz, strand faceted 16 mm

Amethyst is the violet variety of crystal quartz. This beautiful gemstone gets its name from the Greek "amethystos" (not drunk), as it was generally believed to protect against drunkenness.

Amethyst deposits are found worldwide, and the often impressively large amethyst geodes from Brazil are well known. Most amethysts used in jewelry also come from Brazil. The violet color is due to the inclusion of iron.