Amethyst is a stone used often to help one remember dreams when placed under the pillow. In ancient times, wine goblets and amulets were carved from Amethyst to ward off drunkenness or poison, the Greek root coming from "amethystos", meaning "not drunk".

It is said the god Dionysus was pursuing a nymph named Amethystos, who was spared his affections when Artemis turned her into a pillar of quartz. Dionysus' tears of wine shed over Amethystos' wish to remain pure dyed the stone purple.