The Gift of Amethyst By Cynthy Johnson
Occurring most frequently in volcanic gas bubbles, as well as metamorphic rocks and faults, its rich hues are imparted by varying concentrations of elemental manganese. Yet in a different sense, this variety of quartz, Amethyst, is quite often prized for its sheer beauty and energies, and has been for thousands of years. The first use of Amethyst can be traced to ancient Egypt where it was made into beads and amulets. Similarly, the ancient Celts used Amethyst in their jewelry, and the stone has long been revered as a stone of royalty often appearing in crowns, breastplates, and scepters of nobility.
Steeped in history, folklore, ceremony and tradition, it is quite understandable why so many people are attracted to Amethyst when first exploring the energetic frequencies of crystals. Overall, Amethyst is a stone of spirituality. It can be used in meditation to help one open into higher states of consciousness as it stimulates the third eye, crown, and etheric chakras. Amethyst’s high-energy frequencies can envelop one in a higher frequency of light and energy, acting as a barrier against the lower frequencies and energies.

Amethyst is an exciting crystal to work with as it manifests itself in different forms depending upon region and area, and with these forms, different frequencies of energy and light. Most Amethyst is derived from Brazil, however some of the darkest Amethyst comes from Uruguay. Amethyst from Uruguay is a very dark purple, nearly resembling grape jelly. It is also more expensive than Amethyst from Brazil, as it is often mined along narrow shafts, deep in the mines, much the way that coal is mined. For healing work or meditation, I have found that Amethyst from Brazil or Uruguay bring serenity and calm, and assist during meditation. Their energies provide balance between one's physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual states.

Always fascinating and amazing me with their delicate beauty are Amethyst Flower Elestials. These formations are quite intricate with hundreds of elestial formations making up each piece. These pieces have such a unique formation due to the conditions in which they form. They are actually an Amethyst “pseudomorph�? meaning that Amethyst has formed around a calcite formation, which has since dissolved, and the Amethyst has retained the calcite formation’s shape. Each piece is painstakingly cleaned with a hammer and a nail to reveal the beautiful formations, truly making each one a treasure. Their energy feels soft and angelic, like a feathery wing, yet it is of a high vibration. It gently coaxes the third eye and crown chakras to be receptive to the wonders of the world, helping one to gently eliminate cynicisms and skepticisms that prevent one from opening themselves to the Divine. I feel that Amethyst Flower Elestials make wonderful meditation pieces.

Similarly, some of the most amazing elestial crystals I have seen are Amethyst Elestials. The translation for Elestial is “Crystal of the Angels�?and therefore it has often been associated with the Angelic realm. Elestial formations are quite intricate, often having three-dimensional surfaces while others reveal beautiful patterns of Amethyst and Smoky Quartz. The luster of an Amethyst Elestial appears to radiate light and glow with color. I find that these crystals have highly intense energy, which perhaps matches their luster and stunning formation. Metaphysically, Elestials are often reputed as Master Healers, and work on many levels. During meditation, one may open up to a higher consciousness of information, perhaps stored in Elestials, simply by running the hands over the etchings of the crystal, much the same way as the blind use Braille language. It is best to clear the mind and have no expectations through this process. Amethyst Elestials are beautiful crystals, and Elestials in particular hold an abundance of lessons for the seeker.

A rare Amethyst from the Las Vigas mine in Vera Cruz Mexico is Vera Cruz Amethyst. Their luster is brilliant with a transparent interior and a light-medium purple exterior. These prismatic crystals are sometimes double terminated, and have grown on a light colored host rock. Often Vera Cruz Amethyst crystals are phantomed and some are sceptered. Their high energy has a very concise nature. I have found that it can sometimes feel very “buzzy�?to the touch. The crystals feel as if they are full of light, and carry a sense of spiritual presence. According to Melody in "Love Is In The Earth", "�?it is said to provide an immediate Beta state; in addition, it provides for stimulation of the throat chakra, then providing a calming effect; stroking it brings energy emission; placement on the arm also provides for tranquility". I have found Vera Cruz Amethyst crystals to be very calming during stressful periods, and powerful in healing work.

Having a richer color with a prismatic, phantomed, dark interior, usually tapering to a long slender crystal, Guerrero Amethyst is a very rare and hard to find crystal. From Mexico, Guerrero Amethyst’s deep purple, prismatic crystals usually radiate outward from a common attachment point. Both Guerrero and Vera Cruz Amethyst are some of the most valuable Amethysts, economically and metaphysically, in the world. According to Melody in "Love Is In the Earth", "�?it facilitates transmutation of the lower energies into the higher frequencies.It is representative of the principle of complete metamorphosis."

From Brandberg mountain in Namibia, Africa, and the western most portions yields the most beautiful Brandberg Amethyst crystals. There is a brightness and clarity of the Amethyst that comes from this region. Metaphysically, the crystals are very sweet, although geologically they are very young; yet they feel like old souls that have compassion beyond measure. I find Brandberg Amethyst a wonderful crystal for finding harmony and balance, and in healing work for amplifying energy. These crystals are considered both powerful healing and meditation stones.

Amethyst crystals from Africa can often appear mundane and not very attractive. However, once polished, the interior color and clarity are excellent, and polished slices and carvings, as well as many gemstones, are quite often prized and admired. In particular, Amethyst from the Orange River, South Africa, is quite prized. The Orange River acts as a border between South Africa and Namibia. There are many fault lines and plate shifts along this area, which allow many crystals to be multiple phantomed and healed. In particular, Amethyst crystals from the Orange River tend to vibrate not only the high crown energies, but also those of the lower sacral and root chakras. Their energy works on the whole system; emotional, physical, as well as the chakras. They weave harmony between the systems, working from the root up; a very powerful healing tool, indeed.

Thunder Bay Amethyst comes from Ontario, Canada. It has a distinct red hematite inclusion just below the surface of the crystals that is specific to this locality. The Amethyst clusters from this area are wonderful to work with, bringing up the energy of the chakras, so that as you meditate and hold the crystal cluster, it is as if the chakras balance, or line up, as if in harmony and unison. I find that their energy is more accessible than other Amethyst; allowing one to reach upward toward a place of light and peace while staying firmly grounded. These clusters make excellent meditation pieces.

The gifts of beauty and light encapsulated by Amethyst are experienced and appreciated differently by each individual. I have just commented on a few formations of this crystal, but I believe that just as the characteristics and diversity of the Amethyst described here are unique, so are the experiences of each person. From the royal and majestic to the pale and delicate, and from the light and sweet to the strong and intense, the colors and energies of Amethyst are truly a discovery and awareness of beauty and light.

When considering different types of Amethyst from other regions, or any crystal, sometimes the best approach is to use your own inner guidance combined with knowledge obtained from various sources. First and foremost, what attracts you to a particular crystal? Is it the color, shape, size, or appearance? Do you like it? Next, why do you want a particular crystal? Is it for energy work, meditation, jewelry or a personal collection? What do you know about the particular crystal? Are you certain of its authenticity? Are you certain of where it was mined and that you are, in fact, getting the crystal that you intended? Finally, close your eyes; how does the crystal f-e-e-l? If you place the crystal in your less-sensitive energy hand and run your more sensitive energy hand over the crystal, do you notice a difference? Sometimes, if the crystal is not directly available, you might consider meditating with that particular crystal in your mind; what do you f-e-e-l? When purchasing a crystal, always trust a reputable source for your purchases as well as for specific information about the crystal, its use, energy and other questions; however ultimately, the final decision is yours alone. May your crystal discoveries bring you much joy!

Cynthy Johnson is a Graduate in Health and Nutritional Sciences, Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner, Certified Usui Reki Master, Certified Karuna Reiki Master, Certified Lightarian Reiki Master, Certified Lay Christian Spiritual Director, and Crystal Healing Practitioner. http://www.light-realm.com