It can be scratched easily, and should not be subjected to hard use. In classical times, amber was once crushed and eaten with honey as a cure for headaches and toothaches. Amber beads were thought to protect the wearer from rheumatism, toothache, rickets, and jaundice. The Greeks called this stone elektron, meaning sun or golden. It can store a small electrical charge if rubbed against fabric.
True amber is light enough to float in salt water.
Amethyst is the most popular member of the quartz family. Its lovely clear purple shades are caused by traces of magnesium oxide. It has a Moh's harness of about 7, making it ideal for a variety of settings. Amethyst can lose its color if it is exposed to intense heat or light for prolonged periods of time. A Greek legend says that Bacchus, the god of wine, was once in love with a young nymph named Amethyst.