Amethyst has enjoyed a long association with Valentine's Day as Saint Valentine was thought to wear a ring set with an amethyst carved with an image of Cupid, the "god of falling in love."

The name amethyst derives from the ancient Greek word "a methystos," meaning sober. It was said that an amethyst could prevent the bearer from becoming excessively drunk while it also instills a sober and serious mind.

One of the most popular of the colored stones, and the most highly valued of the quartz family, amethyst is the birthstone for Pisces and those born in the month of February, as well as the gemstone for a married couple's sixth anniversary.

Amethyst has a strong Maine connection with both small and nationally prominent discoveries having been made here over the years. The most famous being gems of incredible color and variety painstakingly extracted from the Intergalactic Mine at Deer Hill in Stow. Determination, passion and a never-quit attitude enabled three Maine men of various talents and abilities to pool their efforts and unearth some of the nicest purple quartz yet discovered in our mineral-rich state. Far from making them rich, these fearless gem hunters work hard and diligently for the sheer "joy of the hunt," allowing us to enjoy the purple fruits of their labors with fine jewelry and beautiful gems to enhance our lives.

This favorite purple stone is included in royal collections all over the world, from ancient Egypt to the British crown jewels. Throughout the ages, powerful and rich monarchs have used amethyst as the symbol of royalty. The Smithsonian has an amethyst that weighs 400 pounds!

Amethyst has been thought to have many positive and helpful metaphysical attributes and is used in every aspect of New Age healing. The stone was thought to control evil thoughts, stimulate intelligence and sharpen ones business acumen. Feeling scatterbrained? Keep an amethyst crystal with you and enjoy the peace and calm many believe it helps them find. Amethyst's effect on the brain is akin to staying physically fit as it exercises your mind, improving your memory and concentration. It even is said to help with headaches. Put a piece of amethyst on your forehead and see what happens. You may also want to keep amethyst near your pillow to help you slip into a peaceful dream state.

Try meditating with a crystal, geode or polished piece of amethyst, better yet, one in each hand, and feel the tension leave your body and mind. It is said that placing eight amethyst crystal points around your body brings relaxation and mental equilibrium.

Historically, this stone was believed to assist prophecy and visions and to bring riches and powers to its owners. Among its many attributes, amethyst is believed to protect soldiers from wounds in battle, aid warriors to victory, help the hunter in search of his game and guard the wearer from contagious diseases. It is a good stone to assist in solving discord and is suggested for children and quarreling relatives.

Amethyst may help you fall in love, sleep better, be smarter or stay sober. There's much to appreciate about this ancient and current popular gemstone.

Valentine's Day "Magic"

It has long been believed that a woman could determine the sort of man she would marry by the first bird she would spot on Valentine's Day. Though there is no record of this story being accurate, it's still fun to dream and imagine.

On Valentine's Day morning, step outside and open your eyes – you may be seeing into your future or at the very least, you will learn more if you travel through life with your ears and eyes and your heart wide open.

Single? Try it! Here's a quick guide.

Dove = A good-hearted man

Goldfinch = A successful man

Sparrow = A happy man

Hawk = A courageous man

Crossbill = An argumentative man

Robin = A sailor

Bluebird or Blue jay = A joyful man

Owl = A man who will live a shortened life

But if the first bird that a hopeful, single woman sees is a woodpecker, as the fable goes, she may never marry. So, with that in mind, if that's you and you hear a bird's beak striking a tree, don't look in that direction!

Kim Dunn is the owner of Bennett's Gems & Jewelry in Belfast