Amethyst (stone): properties, zodiac sign. Amethyst crystal. Amethyst history, description, deposits Healing properties of amethyst stone

Amethyst- one of the most beautiful and valuable varieties of quartz. Its color can vary from pale purple to dark purple. Amethyst crystals can be either completely transparent or practically not translucent in the sun. It belongs to the macrocrystalline varieties of quartz and owes its violet-purple color to admixtures of iron and aluminum.

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STRUCTURE

Amethyst consists of silicon dioxide SiO 2 with iron impurities. Crystal structure: trigonal, hexagonal prism. Three segments of axes of equal length intersect in one plane at an angle of 60°, the third axis is perpendicular to this plane, and the segment cut off on it has a different length. In the hexagonal system, three unit cells form a regular prism on a hexagonal base.

PROPERTIES

Mohs hardness - 7. Density about 2.65 g/cm 3 . Refractive index: 1.544 - 1.553. It can be transparent or semi-transparent. The color of amethyst is very varied in shades and varies from almost colorless pale purple, pink-bluish-violet, bluish-violet to purple, dark purple, to lavender blue, sometimes to almost black. Violet-smoky zone-colored amethysts are also found. The distribution of color is usually uneven; zoning of color is characteristic, sometimes pronounced: intensely colored zones are parallel to the faces of rhombohedrons or are distributed in spots along growth pyramids in the crystal.

The color of amethyst can be very rich and depends on the iron impurities in the mineral. The stone can lose color under the influence of high temperatures: at 200 ° C, amethyst turns very pale, but can return color when cooled; at 300–500 °C amethyst becomes colorless irrevocably (Only directed ionization can help); and at temperatures from 500 to 600 °C, amethyst acquires a bright yellow color and turns into citrine.

The color stability of amethysts from different deposits varies; Thus, amethyst crystals from crystal veins are usually resistant to even direct sunlight, while amethysts found in geodes among sedimentary rocks usually fade quickly when exposed to even diffuse sunlight.

MORPHOLOGY

Amethyst usually grows on a gray opaque quartz substrate. Common in drusen and crystalline brushes within agate geodes and in tonsils and fissures in volcanic rocks. Unlike simple quartz, the prismatic facets on amethyst crystals are usually weakly manifested; the facets of its crystals are dominated by rhombohedron faces. In addition to the simple forms of crystals inherent in quartz, amethyst often appears in the form of skeletal sceptre-shaped forms, when the subsequent generation of the mineral grows on the previous one at the end of an early generation crystal in the form of a short pyramidal-prismatic formation resembling a mace or scepter.

Sometimes an amethyst contains thin crystalline plates of hematite or needle-shaped crystals of goethite and is then called “hairy”. Common for amethyst crystals, especially large ones, are liquid and gas-liquid inclusions; often they have the form of very thin tubular tubes with constrictions and are located along radii from the center of growth. A natural mixture of amethyst and citrine is called ametrine.

ORIGIN

Amethyst was born in the depths of the earth under high pressure and exposure to water. Formed in hydrothermal veins and lava amygdalae. Deposits are often found in volcanic rock and growths on rock crystal. High-quality amethysts are mined in the Urals, Uruguay and Brazil. Another unique deposit has been developed on the Kola Peninsula, famous for amethyst brushes with a fairly even dark purple color. And yet, the most expensive amethysts in the world are mined in Mexico, the Jaerrero deposit. These are dark purple prismatic crystals surrounded by clear or white quartz, growing straight from the center. There are also deposits of the mineral in the USA, Canada, Uruguay, Italy and Germany.

APPLICATION

A valuable semi-precious stone, widely used in jewelry and as a material for artistic carving. Beautifully colored violet-red and violet specimens are highly prized and are used in expensive jewelry along with diamonds and emeralds. During processing, the amethyst is given a diamond, step, fancy cut, and cabochonted. Beautiful natural specimens are popular among collectors.

Most often in Rus', amethyst was used to decorate religious paraphernalia (icons, books, crosses, etc.). Both crowns and expensive dresses were decorated with this stone. The amethyst stone became most widespread as a decoration for the insignia of monarchs and priests. Today, the most common use of amethyst is as amulets. The amulets themselves can have completely different shapes and appear before you, either in the form of a ring or pendant, or in the form of a figurine or rosary.

Amethyst - SiO 2

CLASSIFICATION

Amethyst belongs to the quartz family. In nature, this stone most often has a lilac color - from the palest shade to a very rich and dark, almost black. The stone fades when exposed to sunlight, but amethysts of volcanic origin have a more stable color. The deposits of this gem are quite rich, there are still many natural deposits, so the cost of amethysts is not too high.
The meaning of the name from Greek is “not drunk.” It is believed that amethyst crystals can protect a person from drunkenness and other excesses, and the stones save people who have already drunk from intoxication. The mineral seems to absorb wine vapors, while its color itself is similar to grape juice and wine.

Very rich deposits of stone are found in Brazil, Brazilian stones are among the most popular in the world. Ural gems are famous for their rich color. There are deposits in Uruguay and the United States, Namibia. The stone is mined in slightly smaller quantities in India, Burma and Madagascar.

Where is it used?

The importance of the stone can hardly be overestimated - it is one of the most valuable varieties of quartz. This mineral has a very beautiful color, amethyst crystals have a perfect shape and grow in the form of geodes (sometimes simply huge) and small clusters. The stone is sometimes found in glassy masses, and after proper processing and polishing it turns into jewelry. The stone owes its unusual lilac color to impurities of iron and manganese. The more of these minerals in the composition, the richer the color. In this case, the shade can vary from cold bluish to reddish.
The mineral, which natural deposits are so rich in, is found in both transparent and opaque forms. Transparent crystals are especially prized by jewelers; they are not very common and are ideal for cutting. Opaque stones are often polished and used to make beads. Some examples, polished or drusy, are of greater value to collectors.

Amethyst is a companion of the quartz mineral and one of its manifestations. Only the great prevalence of the stone does not allow it to rise to the rank of valuable stones. Due to its exquisite purple color, transparency and unusual appearance of crystals, amethyst is highly valued by jewelers from different countries.

Properties of amethyst

Previously it was believed that the purple color of the stone was obtained as a result of coloring with manganese impurities. Recent scientific findings have determined that violet shades depend on the divalent iron contained in the stone and a violation of the structure of the crystal lattice. That is why Amethyst changes color when exposed to solar energy– the ordering of defects is disrupted.

Amethyst can withstand high temperatures. Heating above 200ºC will completely discolor the stone. Upon subsequent cooling or if the stone is exposed to x-rays, the color is completely restored.

When natural amethyst crystals are lowered into water, a lightening of color is noticed along the edges of the specimen.

Amethyst is characterized by a change in color with increasing light intensity. Stones obtained from the places where crystal veins pass are the most resistant to sunlight. The same amethysts that are collected in sedimentary rocks, fade with long-term use even a little diffuse sunlight.

Amethyst crystals grow on a gray quartz layer. The natural shape of amethyst crystals is elongated, prismatic with a pyramid at the end, which has the brightest color. There are crystals collected in inflorescences called druses.

The main color of amethyst is purple, but there are many varieties. Meet:

• pink-violet;
• blue;
• bluish-pink;
• purplish-violet, up to almost black flowers with a violet tint.

The crystal body sometimes contains cavities that are filled with solidified liquid, called tiger stripes.

Amethyst in the culture of different countries

Russia

Stone has been in the country since ancient times in its individual manifestations. was sometimes valued more than ruby for rare pure shades of purple. The wife of Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich, Irina Godunova, became famous for her luxurious and expensive outfits. Her headdress was decorated with purple amethysts.

Amethyst has been mined by monks on the shores of the White Sea since the 17th century. The stone was used for all kinds of church decorations. Crystals were used to decorate icon frames, decorate church objects and priests' clothing, and inlaid bindings. Tradition ordered all Christian clergy to wear rings decorated with amethyst, which was called prayer. This determined the name of amethyst as a pastoral, cardinal, bishop's and bishop's stone.

Andrew of Caesarea expressed the idea that the stone of violet flame is similar to the Apostle Matthew, whose fiery words are filled with heavenly manifestation and desire for the Lord's service.

Amethyst stone

Greece

In this country there is a legend that the origin of amethyst was given by Artemis, to whom a nymph in love with a young shepherd called for help. The god of winemaking, Dionysus, laid claim to her and tried to take possession of her by force. To save her companion from encroachment, Artemis turned her into a beautiful purple crystal.

Since then, the Greeks have considered amethyst as a stone for strong intoxication; it is used for rejuvenation, getting rid of wrinkles and skin pigmentation. Greek healers recommend putting the mineral in bed at night to prevent nightmares at night and promote sound sleep.

Italy

In this country, the legend about the origin of the mineral is similar to the Greek one, but has differences. The God of winemaking planned revenge on people for their neglectful attitude. He ordered the lions to kill a girl named Amethyst, who was going to the temple of Diana to pray. To protect the young maiden from suffering, Diana turned her into a transparent crystal. The terrible Bacchus splashed red wine on the statue, but it only changed color to purple.

The Romans firmly believed that if you put a stone in a glass and drink intoxicating drinks from it, you will never become intoxicated.

Egypt

Amethyst is used as a stone of wisdom and peacefulness, peoples notice the calming influence of the stone, it brings to the owner:

• abstinence;
• contemplation;
• high spirituality.

It is believed that the stone can predict changes in the weather when it gets dark.

China

With its purple color, amethyst calms mental anxiety and cultivates good and sublime thoughts. According to legend, the stone protects its owner from injury and death during the war. Chinese craftsmen use transparent stones to make small chests and caskets, and create beautiful vessels and bottles for storing incense.

Interaction of the stone with its owner according to the horoscope sign

Suitable representatives for whom wearing the mineral brings success and well-being are the zodiac signs belonging to the element of air.

Amethyst products

The healing effect of amethyst jewelry

The most valuable property is considered to be the help of a stone to a person in the treatment of alcohol addiction. For this It is recommended to drink amethyst infusion and wear a pendant hitting the solar plexus. The desire of the patient himself is necessary and the stone will definitely help.

Diseases such as gout, osteochondrosis, and headaches of unknown origin recede in owners of amethyst. The stone is designed to calm nervous excitement and relieve mental disorders.

Treats insomnia of any nature, whether nervous or caused by other reasons. Becomes an accomplice to pleasant, restful dreams and promotes an effective night's rest.

Girls using amethyst to remove freckles and improve facial skin. It also helps against numerous moles and warts, and smoothes out wrinkles.

To treat diseases, contact with the human body is used. It is recommended to temporarily apply the stone to problem areas and infuse the mineral in water. Constantly wearing beads, rings and pendants helps. People wash themselves with amethyst infusion to get rid of external ailments; internal diseases require drinking infused water.

Body massage is practiced using natural amethyst crystals. To enhance the effect It is recommended to use the stone together with crystal objects, which will help to better concentrate and transmit healing properties to a person. All amulets and amulets are subject to periodic cleaning of accumulated negative energy.

The magical effect of amethyst

In the field of magic, the stone signifies pure thoughts, high spirituality and devotion in love. His used for magical actions aimed at ridding a person of alcohol and drug addiction.

Owners of mineral amulets are blessed with good luck and a happy time. Amethyst amulets will block the path of the evil eye, drive away evil fate and messages of negative magic. If the owner of the amulet goes to someone with a “guilty head,” then a peaceful resolution of the conflict is guaranteed to him.

Amethyst enhances the owner’s abilities for astrology and clairvoyance, and opens a passage to higher immaterial spheres. Purple color is the boundary color in the color spectrum and behind it there is something invisible to the human eye.

Amethyst can attract the attention of a loved one if given for this purpose. That's why It is not recommended to accept amethyst as a gift to one of a married couple from the hands of a single person. Under circumstances, a stone can destroy a family.

Amethyst jewelry is worn by all people with great pleasure because of the belief in its positive effects. The beauty of the mysterious stones makes its owner mysterious and attractive.

Minerals that are part of the quartz group are quite popular in jewelry and are used very widely. Amethyst belongs to the most expensive and famous category. The peculiarity of the color of this stone is its shade, which varies from lilac to purple. In the photo on the Internet you can see an example of how varied the color palette of the same stone can be.

Amethyst is translated from Greek as “to be drunk.” This a type of quartz. It can be blue, bluish-pink or red-violet.

Legend of the stone

According to legend, this gem appeared thanks to the goddess Amethys, with whom the god of wine Dionysus fell in love. Dionysus' desire to possess Amethys was so great that Artemis decided to save the beauty and turned her into amethyst.

Where were amethysts mined before?

Once upon a time they were mined in the Urals. The most famous and beautiful stones come from Talyan- This is the outskirts of the village of Murzinka (Ural). This deposit was developed at the beginning of the twentieth century. The peculiarity of these minerals was their “velvet color” and the so-called “red spark”, which was observed under artificial light. After some time, the Vatikha deposit was developed, but it should be noted that these amethysts were already somewhat inferior in quality to the representatives of the Talyan deposit. At the moment, the Vatiha mine is flooded and the extraction of these stones has ceased.

Amethyst color

Now let’s look at nature and some features of amethyst color. As we all know, white is a color false in structure and it consists of a continuous spectrum of different colors. The color can be split into its components using a prism, and the components can be put back together to create the original white color. In order to create a sense of color, it is necessary to cut out several of its rainbow components from the overall spectrum. In precious stones, chromophoric elements most often act as dyes. These are substances that are widely known for their coloring abilities:

• chromium,
• iron,
• vanadium and some other representatives of the chemical table.

Electrons entering the shells of their ions absorb certain colors of the spectrum and paint the stones in opposite shades. But unlike standard chromophoric coloring, amethyst is colored according to a different principle. The peculiarity is that at a temperature of 400 - 500 degrees it becomes colorless, and the color returns when the stone is irradiated with gamma radiation. Quartz turns brown, gray or yellow when irradiated, but in order for it to become a true amethyst, it must contain iron elements.

This impurity is usually not enough for coloring, but upon irradiation, iron generates color centers. When heating occurs, these centers are destroyed. Under this condition, natural amethyst becomes discolored, in some cases becoming orange-yellow - citrine, and sometimes green - praseolite. And if the amethyst is heated more, then the mineral will become cloudy, and the color centers will be completely destroyed.

A natural question may arise: where does amethyst get its radiation in nature, since the deposits of this stone do not coincide with the deposits of uranium? The reason is that these crystals were born not in a short period of time, but over a huge period, comparable to geological eras before our birth. During this time, they accumulated not only the background radiation surrounding us, but also cosmic radiation. One can even put it this way: the amethyst accumulated in itself the radiation of the universe, with all its stars, luminaries and planets.

Nowadays, there is a unique opportunity to measure exactly how amethyst transmits different spectral colors. This is done on a special computer-controlled spectrometer.

One of the varieties of quartz is amethyst, which is birefringent. This means that a ray of light that passes through such a crystal is split into 2, each of them has its own special color. Gemologists This two-coloredness is called "dichroism". In quartz it is quite complex. Its peculiarity is that in the crystal it changes depending on its direction.

If you shine an artificial light source on the amethyst, its color will appear redder, but in natural light the stone will give off a blue tint. This effect is characteristic of all types of crystals in which the spectrum of transmitted radiation contains a dip in the middle of the visible spectrum - yellow-green shades.

What determines the price of amethyst?

The cost of amethyst depends on the color it has. In this article a little higher we touched on a more expensive type of amethyst. As for more pale purple stones, which are closer to lilac, they are found much more often in nature and therefore its price is much lower. This color is called "lavender". There are even grayish amethysts when the stone has smoky tones. Such representatives are not considered particularly beautiful.

By the way, these stones are characterized by very pronounced zoning of color. Most often, not the entire crystal is completely colored. The color is concentrated mainly in several zones. But this nuance does not bother an experienced cutter. If you place the amethyst correctly, the stone will look evenly and densely colored. Of course, for jewelry with this stone to look perfect, it must be impeccably cut, so it is important to follow all the laws of optics and crystal optics.

Synthetic amethyst

Nowadays they have begun to grow synthetic amethyst. This became possible thanks to special autoclaves made from aqueous solutions and temperatures up to 500 degrees. Iron ions are added to such a solution, and then, in order to obtain amethyst color centers, the crystals are artificially irradiated with gamma radiation.

A distinctive feature between artificial stone and natural stone is the zoning of color. To increase the profitability of the process and speed up growth, the starting material is oriented in a certain way, and therefore the crystal grows not with natural edges, but with a special curved surface. As a result, the color of the stone does not replicate the edges of the crystal, but forms peculiar curved conical shapes.

Main consumer countries of synthetic amethyst

The main consumers of artificially created (synthetic) purple amethysts are Asian countries:

• Thailand;
• China.

Amethyst color (purple) in clothes

If you are a fan of the color purple in clothing, then you will most likely love the dynamic shade of purple - amethyst.

It is believed that purple amethyst will not only decorate a woman, but also protect her from overly annoying suitors and from intoxication.

What does the color amethyst (purple) mean in a person’s clothing?

This shade indicates about insight and high spirituality personality, and therefore in an amethyst-colored robe no one will be able to talk to you and deceive you.

By the way, stylists believe that purple is a self-sufficient color and should not be combined with other shades.

Beautiful amethyst stone

Bacchus became angry with the people and vowed to kill the first person he came across with tigers. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a nymph named Amethyst, who served in the temple of Diana. In fright, the poor thing called out to her patroness, and she, in order to save the unfortunate woman from predators, turned her into a white statue. Seeing this, Bacchus repented and, hoping to revive the beauty, filled the statue with grape juice. But the miracle did not happen... Only the stone turned from white to purple, like the eyes of a living nymph.

Amethyst: meaning and symbolism

This is, of course, a legend. However, archaeological excavations show that from the most distant times people knew and appreciated this stone. For example, in Europe, an amethyst crystal is by no means a rarity among finds in the sites of Neolithic tribes. In many ancient cultures it was widely used in the manufacture of all kinds of amulets, beads and sacred attributes. Gradually, with the development of civilization, jewelry with amethyst firmly entered into the everyday life of the upper strata of society.

For its unique beauty and richness of shades, it began to be called the “royal stone” and a symbol of power. It is known that the crown of the wife of the Russian sovereign Fyodor Ioannovich, Tsarina Irina Godunova, was decorated with large amethysts of a rare dark purple color. This stone could often be seen in the ceremonial regalia of other autocrats, both European and Eastern.

Amethyst in the culture of the peoples of the ancient world

It was especially popular among the ancient Egyptians. The so-called “heart scarabs” carved from it have survived to this day - images of sacred beetles that were placed in the chest of the deceased for his safe stay in the afterlife. In addition, amethyst, whose significance in this culture went far beyond decorative decoration, was used for medicinal purposes. We do not know how this was done, but it is known that with its help it was possible to exert a strong psychological effect on the patient, freeing him from feelings of fear and guilt. This stone was also considered an effective amulet for everyone who went on travel.

The name “amethyst” itself translated from Greek means “non-intoxicating”. This was always reassuring, so in the Mediterranean countries it was often used to decorate cups, from which it was believed that wine could be drunk without harmful consequences. Sometimes, in the absence of a cup, the stone was placed in the container from which libations were made. It is curious that amethyst, whose magical properties were well known, was also used to excite the ardor of love. For this purpose, it was worn under clothing in the navel area.

Bible stone

It is also known from history that in Christianity, for centuries, this mineral was called “bishop’s stone” by Catholics, and “bishop’s stone” by Orthodox Christians. This is not accidental, since rings decorated with amethyst were traditionally given to high clergy on the occasion of their ordination. It was believed that amethyst, whose magical properties are truly limitless, was able to protect the hierarch from intoxication with power. This noble stone is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. Even in Old Testament times, amethyst in silver and even in gold was an integral attribute of the vestments of the high priests. Suffice it to recall the efud (breastplate) of Aaron, one of the most revered Old Testament heroes.

Some ancient beliefs

It is known that amethyst is a stone whose properties, zodiac sign and history have always given rise to a special mystical attitude towards it. Some beliefs associated with it make modern people smile, while in ancient times they were considered dogma. For example, the Peruvians had no doubt that if the names of the sun and moon were engraved on the surface of an amethyst, and then worn around the neck along with baboon hair and a swallow feather, it would be the surest remedy against witchcraft.

By the way, one of the most authoritative philosophers of antiquity, Pliny the Elder, taught that such a stone with images of the sun and moon gives a person immunity against poisons. True, he strongly objected to the fur of monkeys and swallow feathers - only a cord made of dog hair, in the philosopher’s opinion, helped to reveal the amazing properties of amethyst. In this case, the mineral, according to him, was supposed to protect against snake bites.

Stone - a harbinger of a storm

There is information that the Indians of North America made amulets with the image of a bear from it. Such a talisman, in their opinion, put demons to flight and kept its owner from drunkenness. It is difficult to say how justified the belief in such properties is, but there are real facts testifying to the exceptional properties of this marvelous stone. Natural amethyst is known to change its color in the hours leading up to a storm. But there is nothing mystical in this feature of his. Scientists have long proven that the crystal owes this to its layered structure. But in past times, he enjoyed great respect among travelers precisely as a predictor of impending bad weather.

Doctors' opinions on the properties of amethyst

It should be noted that the data of modern medicine largely confirm the healing properties attributed to this stone. There is no doubt that amethyst stimulates the production of hormones in the body and has a beneficial effect on the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine glands. It has been found to help oxygenate the blood and is also effective in treating a number of diseases. It is enough to mention the solution to stomach and heart problems. To rejuvenate the face, since time immemorial, representatives of various eras and cultures have used polished stone massage, smoothing out wrinkles and giving the skin a look of freshness and health.

It is also claimed that water in which amethyst has lain overnight is useful for cleansing blood vessels, liver and kidneys. It is used both for drinking and for washing the body. This same water, according to numerous testimonies, helps in the treatment of colds. The mineral, among other things, helps strengthen the immune system and is effective in relieving pain, swelling and bruising. It is also used to treat all kinds of sleep disorders. It is recommended to place it under the pillow in cases of insomnia caused by excessive nervous excitement, or in case of obsessive nightmares.

A gift from nature itself

Amethyst... A stone whose properties, zodiac sign and exceptional beauty have generated interest in it for many centuries, is one of the varieties of quartz. Its color is represented by a wide range of colors - from pale purple to the darkest shades of purple. Sometimes there are even almost black specimens. This is exactly what natural amethyst looks like, having the properties inherent in it by nature itself. In recent years, on the shelves of jewelry stores you can see stones painted golden-green. These are also amethysts, but have undergone special heat treatment.

It is known that under the influence of sunlight, as well as high temperatures, this type of quartz changes color. This feature is used to produce various shades of green and gold. By the way, not all of the variety of amethysts mined in the world are suitable for such technologies, but only those taken from the Montezuma deposit, located in Brazil. All other green-colored stones are just artificially grown crystals. They tend to have a brighter and more saturated hue than their natural counterparts.

Beware of fakes

It is known that amethyst is a stone whose properties, zodiac sign and legendary history provide it with increased market demand. Unfortunately, in such cases, a large number of counterfeits are inevitable. To avoid becoming a victim of scammers, you need to be able to distinguish natural stone from fake. This is not difficult to do. Most often, ordinary glass is used for falsification. In this case, it is enough to try to scratch the surface of the product with a knife. If this is successful, it means that this is a fake, since a real stone is hard enough and it is impossible to scratch it with a knife.

It is more difficult to determine falsification when it comes to an artificially derived crystal. In terms of its characteristics, it is close to natural, but unlike it, it has a brighter and, characteristically, evenly distributed color. In natural stones, as a rule, there is an alternation of darker and lighter areas, as well as the presence of natural inclusions and cracks, visible through a magnifying glass. If you immerse an amethyst in water, the edges of a natural stone will always look paler than the central part, while a fake one will not change its color over the entire surface. Knowing these simple techniques, you can easily recognize a fake amethyst.

Stone: properties, zodiac sign and some other facts

For anyone born in February, amethyst is of interest not only as jewelry, but also as a reliable talisman. This applies primarily to those whose zodiac sign is Aquarius, Pisces, Aries and Scorpio. It is especially recommended for the latter to pay attention to it. It is no secret that such people, according to the horoscope, are characterized by some selfishness. Thanks to its extraordinary properties, this crystal is able to protect against the manifestations of this vice.

Another interesting feature is its effectiveness in treating diseases associated with brain imbalance. You may be surprised, but one of the effective means of combating drug addiction is the amethyst stone. Who is this form of treatment suitable for? It is believed that everyone, with the exception of patients suffering from schizophrenia and paranoia. The amazing properties of the stone described in this article are only a small part of its advantages. Much remains forever hidden from us under a veil of secrecy, and what is known is often met with skepticism. Nevertheless, a stone that emits a wondrous violet light, like the eyes of a nymph named Amethyst, can undoubtedly be called one of the wonders of this world.