Amethyst is more than just a pretty purple crystal—it’s packed with history, mystery, and a few surprises you might not expect. From its ancient reputation as a hangover cure to its cosmic connections, Amethyst has fascinated people for centuries. Whether you’re a crystal enthusiast or just love a good fun fact, here are five fascinating things you probably didn’t know about this beloved gemstone!
It Used to Be as Valuable as Diamonds – Before massive deposits were discovered in Brazil, Amethyst was considered just as rare and precious as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. It was a favorite among royalty, including the British crown, until it became more widely available. Now, thankfully, you don’t have to be a king or queen to own one.
It Was Believed to Prevent Drunkenness – The ancient Greeks and Romans thought Amethyst could keep them from getting too drunk. They even made goblets out of it, believing that drinking wine from an Amethyst cup would keep them sober.
It Can Change Colour – While amethyst is known for its gorgeous purple hues, it can actually change colour when exposed to extreme heat. When heated, it turns yellow or orange, transforming into a stone called citrine. So, if you ever see "heated amethyst citrine," that's just amethyst after a bit of a sunburn.
It Has Been Found in Outer Space – Amethyst has been discovered in meteorites, meaning this stunning crystal isn’t just limited to earth. So, if aliens exist, there’s a good chance they might have some celestial amethyst in their jewellery collection too.
Leonardo da Vinci Was a Fan – The legendary artist and inventor believed amethyst could sharpen the mind and keep negative thoughts at bay. If it was good enough for Leonardo da Vinci, it’s probably worth adding to your collection!
What’s your favourite fun fact about crystals in general? Let’s geek out together! Let us know in the comments!
Get the full low-down on Amethyst and it’s amazing properties here.