Famous for sun-kissed beaches, colourful carnivals and great footballers, Brazil is also the most highly regarded source of one of the most beautiful gemstones: the amethyst. As the worlds largest and finest producer of this mesmerising, purple gemstone, the mines in Brazil regularly churn out amethysts of a spectacular clarity, with colours ranging from pale lavender to rich, dark purples. It is these more intense shades however that are considered to be the most desirable.

The premier Brazilian amethyst mines are located in Bahia, Maraba, Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul. Here the amethysts are found within vugs or cavities made up of gas bubbles formed when volcanic lava produced thousands of years ago began to cool. Over time these cavities filled with water and minerals from the surrounding rocks dissolved into it, which later crystallized and became amethysts.

They are often found in crystal clusters, known as geodes, and are considered a form of quartz, exhibiting similar transparency and luster. Comprised of crystalline silica, the unique purple colour of amethysts however is now believed to be a result of the interplay between the trace elements of iron and aluminium, although in the past it has been attributed to many other impurities including manganese and sulfur.

It is accepted within the jewellery trade that most amethysts will have had some kind of heat treatment to enhance their colour. When exposed to extreme heat or light though, amethysts can turn yellow so it is important to store them away from any strong heat sources. In fact the yellow gemstones citrines are formed from heated amethysts.

Amethyst gets its' name from the Greek words "a" and "methustos" meaning "not intoxicated" because it was once believed that wearing the gemstone could prevent the owner from getting drunk and ancient Greek wine goblets were lined with it. It is the gemstone for February and birthstone for the astrological sign of Pisces and makes the perfect gift for those born in this month and under this sign. Choosing Brazil amethyst jewellery makes the gift even more special as it assures that the gemstone will have exceptional colour and transparency.