Amethyst

A translucent quartz that can range in colour from a deep violet to a barely violet-tinged transparency. The word amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning sober. In ancient Greek and Roman culture, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, Dionysus, and it was common practice to serve this beverage from amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence. Romans and Greeks would also stud their drinking vessels with amethyst and wear the stones on their bodies. Popular during the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, amethysts were strung into necklaces, girdles and anklets, often combined with gold and carved into various amulet forms.