Amethyst is a semiprecious gem that is a variety of quartz crystals found in volcanic rock. It can range in color from lilac or pale lavender, to purple (most common) to deep reddish purple, to a milky color, to green. The ancient Greeks believed that amethyst made one immune to the effects of alcohol, hence the name Amethystos, Greek for "not drunken". According to Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, was angered one day by an insult from a mortal. He swore revenge on the very next mortal he crossed paths with. Along came Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. Diana turned her into pure quartz to protect her from Dionysus' tigers. Dionysus wept tears of remorse at the sight of the beautiful statue and the quartz turned purple. Amethyst is in the British crown jewels and during the middle ages, it was thought to encourage celibacy, even today some bishops still wear amethyst rings. Medieval European soldiers wore Amethyst for protection during battle. It symbolizes sincerity, peace, protection & tranquility and is sometimes called the Stone of Sincerity. Amethyst is the the birthstone for February.