![]() But before you grab your picks and head for the hills, please be aware that prior authorization is required. Pictures of their field work can be seen here. In 2010, the Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association of North Carolina made a very successful trip. Diamond Hill allows individuals and groups to search the pits and trenches for buried treasure. This tremendous find is on permanent exhibit in the Natural History section of the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia.Īctive prospecting for amethysts continues today in South Carolina. ![]() It is the biggest cluster of pure amethyst crystals ever found in the state and perhaps all of North America. The name comes from the Ancient Greek (not intoxicated), a reference to the belief that the stone. And what a day they had! An amethyst, weighing 118 pounds, was carefully extracted to reveal a spectrum of purple crystals measuring up to 14 inches long. Amethyst is the name given to purple to mauve quartz. In the spring of 2008, a group of rock enthusiasts gathered at Diamond Hill Quartz Prospect, near the town of Antreville, for a day of prospecting. In recognition of its many qualities, the amethyst is the birthstone for February. Large amethysts can be found in both the Sovereign's Orb and the Sceptre with the Cross, focal points of the famous British Crown Jewels. By extension, the color purple became a symbol of royalty and retains this connection today. ![]() Purple dye was historically scarce and reserved for those with wealth and money. Perhaps this was due to the amethyst's color. Amethyst occurs in many shades, from a light, slightly lavender pinkish to a deep purple similar to that of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The gem features a trigonal crystal system. It is also the official gemstone for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries. Once considered more valuable than diamonds, amethysts were coveted by queens and kings around the globe. Amethyst is the birthstone of February, and is the official gemstone for Wednesday. The word amethyst derives from Ancient Greek and means "not intoxicated." Legend suggests amethysts negate the effects of alcohol. Today, most gem dealers use heat to deepen an amethyst's color artificially. Basically, the higher the iron, the deeper the purple. These color variations are caused by many factors including iron content. Amethysts can range from pale lilac to deep violet. (A geode is a hollow rock filled or partially filled with crystals.) Ideal stones have six sides. Amethysts are found in elongated clusters rising like pyramids out of a geode base.
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