Amethyst

Hi all,
Today's upload is of a close up of Amethyst crystals.
Once considered a real gem stone but after large finds in Brazil,
downgraded to semi-precious.
A pretty coloured form of quartz often used in jewellery.
The ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication !
The worked stone has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs;
while Medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle – the reason for this being that amethysts are believed to heal people and keep them cool-headed. Beads of amethyst have been found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England.
Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for February.

Many thanks for the Clicks and fun comments on the sulphur 'cauli'

Barbara

Brand:	Panasonic
Camera:	Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7
Recording media:	JPEG (digital)
Date Taken:	29 Jan 2012 - 10:59 AM
Focal Length:	4.1mm
Lens Max Aperture:	f/3.3
Aperture:	f/3.3
Shutter Speed:	1/30sec
Exposure Comp:	0.0
ISO:	320
Exposure Mode:	Program AE
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
Flash:	Off, Did not fire

Title:	Amethyst
Username:	BarbaraR
Uploaded:	29 Jan 2012 - 11:53 AM
Tags:	Amethyst, Crystal, Geology, Macro., Rock, Wildlife / nature
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Votes:	24