Saturday, February 28, 2009

Amethyst




Amethyst (AM-uh-thist) is a semiprecious gemstone. It is highly prized in jewelry. But it is not as rare or as expensive as diamonds.

Amethyst is a form of quartz. Quartz is a hard mineral that forms crystal. The amethyst can be pale violet or deep purple. The best amethysts are clear and not cloudy.

The ancient Egyptians and Romans made charms and jewelry from amethyst. Old legends say that an amethyst cup is protection against poison. Many bishops wear amethyst rings. People born in February have the amethyst as their birthstone

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