Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the anniversary gemstone for the 1st year of marriage. Amethyst comes in various shades of purples, light lilacs to deep dark royal purple. The darker shades are considered the most precious. Amethyst is a 7 on the hardness scale. Like many other gemstones, the quality of Amethyst varies according to its source. Amethyst from the United States can be found in large sizes as opposed to African Amethyst (typically mined in Madagascar), which is small but carries a higher saturation in color. Dark, highly saturated, Amethyst is also found in Australia. The Siberian variety is deep purple with occasional red and blue flashes and commands the highest price. However, the most prolific origin is Brazil. Brazilian Amethyst varies in color saturation from pale to medium lilac, but never quite reaches a dark purple of high saturation. Amethyst is said to have supernatural powers; it brings luck, ensures constancy, protects against magic and homesickness.
 
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