AMETHYST

Dictionary of Science, Literature and Art · 1854 · p. 1

Purple rock crystal. The finer varieties are in great request for cutting into seals and brooch Some of the ancient vases and cups are composed of this mineral, and it was an opinion among the iii i wine drank oat of an amethystine cup would not intoxicate: hence its name, from the Greek apLtOvaroi. [s. 54]