AMETHYST

One of the precious stones in the breastplate of the high priest (Ex. 28:19; 39:12), and in the foundation of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:20). The ancients thought that this stone had the power of dispelling drunkenness in all who wore or touched it, and hence its Greek name formed from a_, “privative,” and _methuo, “to get drunk.” Its Jewish name, ahlamah’, was derived by the rabbins from the Hebrew word halam, “to dream,” from its supposed power of causing the wearer to dream. It is a pale-blue crystallized quartz, varying to a dark purple blue. It is found in Persia and India, also in different parts of Europe.

(Heb. achlamah) a subspecies of quartz of a bluish-violet color. Mention is made of this precious stone, which formed the third in the third row of the high priestly breastplate, in (Exodus 28:19; 39:12) It occurs also in (Revelation 21:20)

AM'ETHYST. Ex 39:12; Rev 21:20. A precious stone consisting of crystallized quartz, of a purple or bluish-violet color. Oriental amethyst, a variety of sapphire, is probably included under this latter name.

AM'ETHYST. Ex 39:12; Rev 21:20. A precious stone consisting of crystallized quartz, of a purple or bluish-violet color. Oriental amethyst, a variety of sapphire, is probably included under this latter name.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A variety of crystallized quartz, of a purple or bluish violet color, of different shades. It is much used as a jeweler's stone. Oriental amethyst, the violet-blue variety of transparent crystallized corundum or sapphire.

2. A purple color in a nobleman's escutcheon, or coat of arms.