THE AMETHYST
THE
amethyst is a species of quartz that is now of more artistic than
intrinsic value. The native beauty of the purple stone is
indisputable. In folklore it has a prominent place as the natal stone
of those born in the month of February, who, astrologically dwell in
the sign of Aries in the Zodiac, and are dominated by the planet Mars.
It is distinctively the precious stone of the Bishop, and also, rather
incongruously, of Bacchus; and yet, despite its appropriation by these
personages, respectively ecclesiastical and mythological, it is also
used as an amulet believed to protect the wearer from the curse of
excessive indulgence in stimulating beverages. The amethyst is the
symbol of pure love; it is also the " soldier's stone "; it is the
stone appropriate for mourning, and thus, in many ways it is invested
with a strong sentimental interest. The signet ring of Cleopatra
was an amethyst, engraved with the figure of
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