Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. It is lilac to deep purple and can be cut into many shapes and sizes. It can be manufactured in a lab as well as mined. The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek amethystos, which means “a remedy against drunkenness”. Amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is more susceptible to damage than harder gems such as rubies, sapphires and diamonds. Amethyst is also the gem traditionally given for the sixth wedding anniversary.