Amethyst

Amethyst is a form of quartz.  It comes in all shades of purple from light nearly colorless, pale purple to a very dark purple. Amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. 

Amethyst is the state gem of South Carolina and is the birthstone for February.  In Ancient Greece Amethyst was thought to protect the wearer from drunkenness.  Hebrews believed Amethyst to protect the high priests.  

Amethyst can be found in many countries around the world such as America, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Europe, Africa.