Amethyst, a form of quartz ranging in shades from lavender to dark purple,
occurs in localities across all the continents, with African deposits in Namibia and Zambia.
Its name is derived from the Greek word methuskein, meaning to intoxicate.
This stems from a belief held by the Ancient Greeks and Romans that amethyst,
if worn or set into a drinking vessel, would prevent intoxication.
It is believed to have wide-ranging healing properties, from strengthening the immune system
to aiding digestion and cleansing the aura of negative energy.
Due to modern mining techniques, the amethyst, once used to adorn wealthy monarchs,
has become a more affordable stone.
