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Amethyst
amethyst, variety of quartz, violet to purple in
color, used as a gem. It is the most highly valued of
the semiprecious quartzes.
It is associated with a number of superstitions, being
regarded as a love charm, as a potent influence in
improving sleep, and as a protection against thieves
and drunkenness. Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Siberia,
and parts of North America are important sources of
supply. T
he so-called Oriental amethyst, or purple sapphire, is
not quartz but a variety of corundum, a much harder
and rarer stone. |
