A variety of vitreous quartz, amethyst has striking purple, violet or red-purple coloration depending on its mineral content. The word amethyst is derived from the ancient Greek word amethustos, which literally means “not drunk,” as it was believed to guard against drunkenness. Consider that the ancient, amethyst-studded goblets were designed for more than their beauty. Associated with purity and piety, amethyst has also long been prized by royalty because purple is considered a regal hue (Bonewitz). Iron is responsible for amethyst’s purple coloring and manganese provides a reddish tinge.
Amethyst Crystals
Amethyst crystals are found in most countries where granite rocks are exposed. Major sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Siberia and North America. As a traditional gemstone, amethyst was highly valued in ancient Mesopotamia, India and Greece. The crystals are used in jewelry, religious vessels, and architecture. Associated with the crown chakra or energy center, amethyst is used in meditation to encourage mystical union with the universal consciousness.
In spas worldwide, amethysts are primarily used to line saunas and crystal steam chambers. Elixirs of amethyst are derived from soaking amethyst crystals in solvents. Elixirs are used in various cosmetic potions including amethyst lotions, oils, and essences.
Amethyst Spa Therapies
The use of crystals for healing is a type of energy medicine known as vibrational medicine. Gemstones such as amethyst have long been known to possess healing and spiritual properties. For this reason, amethyst crystals may be placed on the body during chakra balancing or during massage therapies. Amethysts are a popular feature of vibrational massage therapy.
Amethysts are also used as functional yet decorative materials in saunas and steam rooms. Small crystals typically are embedded within the walls and accompanied by at least one large anchor amethyst. Amethyst crystal steam rooms are often free to use when other spa treatments are booked. One internationally renowned crystal steam room to try is The Spa at Gleneagles by ESPA at the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland.
At the Mandarin Oriental in New York City crystal steam rooms are incorporated into journey treatments and also available at no charge for guests with other spa treatment bookings. At New York’s Mandarin Oriental, the crystal amethyst steam room is one step in an 80-minute Ayurvedic therapy protocol used to balance the doshas. Along with a massage, clients booking this protocol are invited to relax in the Vitality Pool, the amethyst crystal steam rom, and step into a shower that simulates various kinds of rain. In this and similar spa therapies, amethyst is used for enlightenment and to help awaken the soul, which enables people to realize their true life purpose.
At the CopperWynd in Scottsdale, Arizona, amethyst plays an integral role in the 90-minute Amethyst Body Renewal Treatment. Harvested from the nearby Four Peaks Amethyst Mine, amethyst is used for its purifying, pacifying and transitional properties and to calm the mind by converting negative energy into positive vibrations. This procedure is specifically tailored to the client’s needs and typically includes a full body brushing, an exfoliation rub, a hot stone massage, and the application of amethyst-infused lotion.
Nearby, in Fountain Hills Arizona, guests at the Radisson Hotel’s Fort McDowell Resort and Casino can visit the Amethyst Spa and Boutique and book an amethyst facial. Their top signature treatment, the amethyst facial uses amethyst crystals from the Four Peaks mine to gently massage the skin.
When in Rome, expect to see amethysts in a truly opulent setting. Situated in the heart of the Waldorf Astoria’s Rome Cavalieri hotel’s Grand Spa guests can relax in a spectacular amethyst Turkish Bath with marble platforms and Roman mosaics. Heated with moist steam heat, the bath is flanked by hot and cold jetted plunge pools. Amethyst oil is a regular ingredient in spa treatments.
Sources:
- Bonewitz, Ronald. 2008. Rock and Gem, The definitive guide to rocks, minerals, gems, and fossils. New York: DK Smithsonian Books: 222-3.
- Westervelt, Amy. 2011. "15 Cool Treatments To Try Now," Spa Summer Worldwide Guide, Summer 2011: 59-64.
Elaine Moore - I'm a retired medical technologist and medical writer with more than 30 years experience working in hospital laboratories. Currently, I ...
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