The wisdom and balance of amethyst: A passion that inspires us.

LP MINERAIS from Brazil is now a solid company, known worldwide for its technical excellence and commitment to staying true to the essence of its business: “Our passion for stones, their origins, properties, and history.”

This passion for stones was the main inspiration for one of our founders, Mr. Leopoldo Piovesan, who shares:

“My journey into the world of stones began when I was 12 years old, on my parents’ land, Atílio Piovesan and Cecília Scapim, where I worked in the fields. That’s when I started noticing the lilac and purple crystals. That bluish-lilac hue deeply enchanted me due to its shine and beauty. They were the rolled pebbles scattered in the fields, which eventually led to the discovery of mines and later became today’s amethyst mining sites.”

At that time, amethyst was not yet highly valued. Mr. Piovesan’s visionary eye played a significant role in elevating the gem’s status in the market and paved the way for it to become one of the company’s flagship products. He recalls collecting the “taião,” a local term for amethyst druzes, and keeping them at home.

Thanks to his care, entrepreneurship, and creativity, the first batches of amethyst were consigned to shops in Rio de Janeiro. Today, amethyst continues to be a highlight in our retail, wholesale, and export offerings.

Amethyst: Origins and Characteristics

Known for its beauty, amethyst is a purple variety of crystal quartz composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), with traces of iron that give it varying shades of purple. The most valuable amethysts are deep, uniform purple, free of visible inclusions or color zones. When exposed to high temperatures, the stone may turn into citrine, a yellow quartz, through natural or artificial processes.

Amethyst belongs to the hexagonal crystal system and ranks 7 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable but not unbreakable.

Classified as a semi-precious gem, amethyst is found in various parts of the world. Brazil is represented by the city of Ametista do Sul, where LP MINERAIS’ headquarters are located. In 2017, the region reached a record production of 4,700 tons of amethyst, earning it the title of “world capital” of amethyst. Our factory remains on the site of our first warehouse, now expanded, where we produce cathedrals, druzes, citrines, tumbled stones, crystal trees, and our entire line of mineral products.

Mythology and Symbolism of Amethyst

The word “amethyst” comes from the Greek term ‘amethystos,’ which literally means “not intoxicated.” According to legend, the nymph Amethyst was turned into stone by the goddess Artemis to protect her from Dionysus, the god of wine. Dionysus later poured wine over the stone in tribute, giving it its violet hue.

Symbolically, the purple color is associated with wisdom, balance, sophistication, and sobriety. In spirituality, amethyst is believed to promote higher states of consciousness and offer healing and protection:

• Spiritual Protection: repels negative energies and promotes serenity.

• Calm and Mental Clarity: helps reduce stress and anxiety; supports meditation.

• Healing and Spirituality: associated with emotional balance, spiritual protection, and activation of the crown chakra for divine connection.

Uses and Applications of Amethyst

Thanks to its beauty and versatility, amethyst has many uses in daily life and culture:

• Jewelry: highly valued for its color, used in rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, brooches, and tiaras.

• Interior Design: featured in geodes and druzes to enhance living rooms, offices, or meditation spaces. Also used by artists in sculptures and décor items.

• Spiritual and Esoteric Practices: used in meditation to calm the mind, enhance intuition, and open the third eye or crown chakra. In crystal healing, it is used for emotional balance and energy alignment. Commonly placed on the crown chakra for spiritual alignment.

Fun Facts About Amethyst

• More Valuable Than Diamonds: in ancient times, amethyst was as prized as diamonds. In the Middle Ages, it was associated with royalty and clergy, known as the “bishop’s stone.” It still appears in the British Crown Jewels, including the Imperial Orb.

• Giant Geodes in Brazil: some geodes are large enough to fit a person inside.

• Feng Shui: used to balance and heal energies at home, promoting peace and protection.

• Pisces Birthstone: believed to enhance mental clarity and emotional balance in those born under Pisces.

• Ancient Medicine: used in talismans for healing and protection in Egypt and Greece, often ground into powder to treat ailments.

By Juraci Alcântara