Character Co. Blog
The Dream Amethyst Pipe
Crystal Amethyst
Crystal Amethyst
Our Dream Amethyst pipe is definitely a fan favourite. We’re sure it’s due to a combination of it being stylish to look at, as well as the metaphysical aspects regarding amethyst itself. Or perhaps some people have a great sense of irony, buying a pipe made from a gem that is named after the Greek word, ‘amethystos’, which can be loosely translated to ‘sober’. It also seems like the official gemstone for just about everything, making amethyst very recognizable. It is the official gemstone for:
– The province of Ontario;
– Wednesday;
– The planet Jupiter; and
– The zodiac sign of Pisces.
It’s also the Birthstone for the month of February.
“The February-born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they an amethyst will wear.”
(author unknown)
Other fun facts about Amethyst:
– Amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
– Amethyst was the ninth stone in the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus).
– Leonardo da Vinci believed amethyst had the power to control evil thoughts, to quicken intelligence, and
to make men shrewd in business matters.
– The deep purple colour is usually due to heat treatment. This process is permanent and the colour will
not fade.
– The gemstone for the 6th anniversary of marriage.
– Until the 18th century, amethyst was included as one of five Cardinal Gems.
Greek Mythology
The Greek word “amethystos” can be loosely translated to “not drunken”. Throughout ancient times, amethyst was believed to prevent drunkenness, which explains why amethyst was studded into wine goblets during the Roman era.
In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the God of Wine (Bacchus in Roman mythology), was pursuing a young maiden by the name of Amethystos, who refused his affections in an attempt to remain chaste for the Gods. In her prayer, Amethystos prayed to Artemis, the Goddess of Wisdom and the Hunt (Diana in Roman mythology) for strength in her pursuit to remain chaste. Hearing her prayer, Artemis transformed the beautiful maiden into a white stone. Humbled by the Amethystos’ desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dying the stone purple.
Other variations of the story tell a version where Dionysus was insulted by a mere mortal, and swore he would punish the next mortal who crossed his path in retaliation. To do so, Dionysus created fierce tigers to guard the path, however the next mortal to pass was a beautiful young maiden by the name of Amethystos on her way to pray at the temple of Artemis. As the tigers chase after Amethystos, she calls out to Artemis for protection. Artemis responds by turning Amethystos into a statue of pure crystalline to protect her from the vicious claws. At the sight of the beautiful statue, Dionysus is brought to tears of wine in his remorse. The god’s tears stain the quartz purple.
The Metaphysical
Amethyst remains one of the most popular stones today when it comes to meditation, known for its metaphysical abilities that aid in expanding and opening the mind. Since we’re a big believer in cannabis also expanding and opening ones mind, it only made sense to join the two together to make something amazing.
