The rich purple Amethyst has been known for centuries, being first mentioned in the book of Exodus as one of the twelve stones worn in the High Priests' Breastplate, each stone representing one of the Tribes of lsrael; n this case Zebulon. Its religious connection survives to this day in that every Bishop wears an Amethyst in his episcopal ring. The Amethyst is the birth stone of February and comes under the Zodiac sign of Aquarius and is associated with the planet Neptune. It is also the stone of St. Valentine. Amethysts are found in many parts of the world, notably in Africa. Uruguay and Brazil. They belong to the Quartz family.