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Amethyst is a variety of quartz that comes in a shade of purple. Mossy Amethyst Beads look very similar to the regular type, except that they have what appear to be threads or tiny sticks inside the gemstone beads. Amethyst is an ancient stone that was once only allowed to be worn by royalty because of its color and rarity. Subsequent discoveries of sizable amounts in Brazil have made this gem less expensive and easier to afford.
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Dendritic Inclusions
Mossy amethyst beads get their name from the thread-like inclusions embedded in the clear amethyst gemstones. These “lines” in the beads are called dendritic inclusions because they resemble the branches of a tree or, in this case, delicate pieces of moss trapped inside the stone. The mossy inclusions in amethyst are often tourmaline, another gemstone that comes in many colors and has a crystal structure that looks like thin fingers. The inclusions are usually a smoky brown color, but can have tinges of yellow gold or copper color to them.
Versatile Violet
Inclusions are not uncommon in quartz specimens, and amethyst is no exception. Mossy amethyst beads can be cut and shaped into a variety of shapes and sizes, from tiny chips to large nuggets or rounded cabochons. Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February, so amethyst jewelry is a popular gift for Valentine’s Day, especially in the form of heart shaped pendants. Amethyst can range from a very dark purple to a light lilac hue. Mossy amethyst is usually lighter and can be nearly clear in parts.
Sobriety Support
Legend has it that the stone is named for one of the companions of the Greek goddess Artemis, who was the protector of young, unmarried women. One day while the goddess was hunting, she heard a woman screaming. Amethyst was running away from the god of wine, Dionysus. To protect her virtue, Artemis turned the young woman into a rock. The god changed the stone to a dark, sparkling purple the color of wine, and amethyst became a talisman of sobriety. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that wearing amethyst jewelry would protect them from intoxication. Many wine flasks and goblets were decorated with amethysts for this reason. Amethyst continued to be popular through the Middle Ages, especially with the Christian clergy. Many rosaries and pieces of clerical jewelry were made of amethyst, and sometimes carved into seals and detailed shapes.
Earthy Quality
Jewelry made from mossy amethyst beads has an earthy look. The translucent purple beads with the dark threads inside look good when paired with tourmaline, smoky quartz or other deep brown beads. Shiny, metallic pyrite beads would pick up the slight sparkle in the dendritic inclusions nicely. Of course, mossy amethyst beads also look good when strung with other amethyst in different shades. Shop for these and other unique gemstones, as well as freshwater pearls and jewelry findings, at the Bead Traders!