Amethyst (Kathela)

Amethyst is the purple variety of Quartz. It was considered to be the most-priced variety of quartz for centuries. They were used in royal jewelry for ages. Russia for the major source of Amethyst until a huge deposit was found in Brazil after which its prices fell sharply. Earlier it was considered to be of the same worth as Emeralds, Rubies, and Sapphires but after the discovery of the Brazilian deposit, its value depreciated. The finest amethysts have a strong reddish purple to purple hue with no visible color zoning.

Most of the amethyst today comes from Brazil and Zambia. Amethysts are generally heat treated to improve their color and marketability.

Earlier quartz was synthesized to form synthetic amethyst but later its demand dropped due to the plunge in prices of natural amethyst and due to buyers losing their faith in the stone as people were selling synthetic as natural in the market.

Astrologists suggest Amethyst(kathela) to a person's to induce rationality in the persons thought process. Birthstone of the Pisces (Meen Rashi), amethyst also plays a major role in boosting one’s confidence and passion. However, it is also given to Aquarius (Kumbh Rashi) to influence their relationships with other human beings around them. People prefer to wear a strong purple amethyst when it comes to buying one.