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AMETHYST
...
is
the purple variety of quartz. On exposure to heat,
amethyst generally becomes yellow, and much of the
citrine or yellow quartz in jewellery is said to be
merely burnt amethyst or more commonly heat
treated. Synthetic amethyst is made to imitate
the best quality amethyst.
Its chemical and physical
properties are so similar to that of natural amethyst
that it cannot be differentiated with absolute certainty
without advanced gemological testing which is often cost
prohibitive. Amethyst occurs in a continuum of primary hues from a
light slightly pinkish violet to a deep grape purple.
Amethyst may exhibit one or both secondary hues, red
and/or blue. The ideal grade is called Deep Siberian
and has a primary purple hue of around 80%.
Amethyst is the birthstone associated with February. It
is also associated with the astrological signs of
Pisces, Aries (especially the violet and purple
variety), Aquarius, and Sagittarius. It is a symbol of
heavenly understanding, and of the pioneer in thought
and action on the philosophical, religious, spiritual,
and material planes. Ranking members of the Roman
Catholic Church wear rings set with a
large amethyst as part of their office.
Each
individual piece is Exclusive
Recommended
Retail Prices generally range from AU$65-265 US$55-225
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