THE AMETHYST.
The Amethyst
(when " Oriental," a Sapphire) is one of the rarest of all gems : so
rare, so beautiful, and capable of such transcendent polish, that many
persons prefer it to a Diamond. But the true Amethyst is simply a
crystal of Quartz, coloured with oxide of manganese, or peroxide of
iron, whereto is due that rich purple colour of the grape which has
crept like a drop of blood through all the veins of this crystal.
The Amethyst is the gem worn in the ring of the Catholic Bishops, being hence often called the " Bishop's Stone."
Because
of its fabled origin as a Nymph beloved by Bacchus, but giving
preference to Diana, and, therefore changed into a gem, the Amethyst
has always been reputed to exhibit the most profound antipathy to
drunkenness, and wine ; wherefore the ancients used to drink out of
cups studded with this gem, so that they might imbibe perhaps to
excess, but never to intoxication. Again, the Amethyst was one of the
twelve sacred gems worn on the Jewish breastplate ; and was, as
tradition has said, that particular gem which typified the tribe of
Issachar. The finest Amethysts come from Ceylon, the Brazils, Silesia,
and Murcia. The Brazilian stones are sometimes streaked violet and
yellow, or violet and green. This Precious Stone is much used within
the temples of Eastern countries. It is supposed to create an
atmosphere of pious calm. Rosaries are made with beads of Amethyst,
being finished with the figure of a deity for a pendant. As each bead
is told, the devotee becomes more and more imbued with a sense of
mental peace, and quietude. The stone is synonymous with chastity ; and
the Greeks
