A beautiful Quartz, usually purple, or violet in colour, Amethyst is a very spiritual stone and is a stone of peace.

When held in your receptive hand (left hand if you are right handed and right if you are left handed) an Amethyst's peaceful vibrations aid in soothing, de-stressing and calming - especially helpful after a stress-filled day.

Or wear Amethyst next to your skin to keep you calm in stressful situations.

When placed beneath the pillow Amethyst is said to be able to ward off nightmares and insomnia.

It aids peaceful sleep and pleasant dreams - which can sometimes be prophetic.

Amethyst inspires the healing of all organs and brings about mental peace and a state of relaxation.

Ancients thought it was a cure for drunkenness, perhaps because its name comes from the Greek word meaning 'not drunken'. Those who wore it thought they could drink as much as they liked without suffering from any ill effects!

It is also said to lose its brightness in the presence of poison and it pales if the wearer is ill.

Amethyst is a powerful amulet for travellers. When worn it protects against thieves, harm, danger and sickness. It gives courage to the wearer.

Wear or hold an amethyst during meditation to help open and activate the crown chakra.

It is said to aid in the development of your pyschic awareness and that keeping an amethyst with your divinatory tools, such as tarot cards, runes and I Ching Coins, will not only increase their ‘powers’ but enable you to interpret messages with greater understanding and wisdom.

Amethyst is a stone of pure love, it is beautiful as well as spiritual and it has no negative side effects. It is therefore a 'must' for anyone's crystal collection!

• Energy: Receptive

• Elemental Ruler: Water

• Chakra: Crown

• Zodiac Affinities: Aquarius, Pisces

Dreams, overcoming alcoholism, healing, psychism, peace, love, courage, happiness, protection against thieves.

Gemstone lore has been gathered from various sources and from information and stories passed down through the ages. Use this information at your own risk. No guarantee is made towards its validity.