Amethyst

AMETHYST is the birthstone for the month of February. The name amethyst is from the Greek "amethystos" meaning " not drunken" because the ancient Greeks believed drinking from an amethyst cup would prevent intoxication. Leonardo da Vinci believed that amethyst could quicken the intelligence. Amethyst has also been said to prevent excessive stomach acid and beautify the skin. Purple has long been considered a royal color, so amethyst has been much in demand throughout history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and came to occupy a very prominent position in the ornaments of clergy, in particular bishops and cardinals. Amethysts were also esteemed as stones of friendship.