In chapter four of Physica, Hildegard includes a lengthy description of the health benefits of various gemstones including amethyst. During her lifetime, amethyst was mined in the neighboring town of Idar-Oberstein. It has a long history of being used for spiritual protection including in the episcopal rings of Roman Catholic bishops. Amethyst were included in the breastplate of the priest Aaron’s as described in Exodus 28:19 and it is one of the precious gemstones that will build the foundation of the Heavenly Jerusalem described in the Book of Revelation 21:20.

Inside of our crystal case are a few pieces of raw amethyst and on top of the case we have a large, beautifully polished piece gifted to us by an anonymous donor.

In her work Physica, Hildegard wrote the following regarding amethyst crystals: “Amethyst develops when the sun shows its circle, as though it were crowned, which it does when it prefigures some change in the vestment of the Lord, in the Church… It is hot and fiery and a bit airy…” (149-150)

With regard to its use in medieval medicinal, Hildegard recommended amethyst in the 12th century for skin spots, tumors, spider bites, and as a repellent to keep serpents away!