Amethyst is the best known and most valuable form of quartz. According to Greek legend, Bacchus, the god of wine, created this beautiful purple gemstone. To avenge an insult, Bacchus vowed to have a tiger devour the first person he met. That person happened to be a beautiful young maiden named, Amethyst. The maiden cried out for the goddess Diana to save her and was turned into a brilliant white crystal. When Bacchus saw what he had done, he was full of remorse. He poured wine over the stone maiden, turning her to a lovely violet. Ancient belief held that anyone wearing an amethyst could not become intoxicated. It is also believed that this stone eases compulsive and obsessive behavior, calms fears, raises hopes, increases self-esteem, aids sleep and increases psychic awareness and sharpens the sixth sense.