Amethyst Crystal Shards from Brazil. Amethyst has been highly prized since ancient times for its stunning beauty and legendary powers to stimulate and soothe the mind and emotions. Amethyst is a stone of royalty, used in crowns, sceptres and rings. The Egyptians carved them into magical amulets. Amethyst’s name comes from the Greek word “amethystos” meaning “not druken”, and is often used to encourage sobriety and prevent overindulgence.