Amethyst is not primarily defined by carat weight; this is different to most gemstones where the carat weight exponentially increases the value of the stone. The biggest factor in the value of amethyst is the color displayed. The highest grade amethyst (called "Deep Russian") is exceptionally rare and therefore, when one is found, its value is dependent on the demand of collectors. It is, however, still orders of magnitude lower than the highest grade sapphires or rubies (padparadscha sapphire or "pigeon's blood" ruby). Amethyst Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz. The name comes from the Koine Greek ἀμέθυστος "amethystos" from
HMS Amethyst (1799) officers finally permitted the press gang from "Immortalite" to board, all they found on board were a few sickly sailors. Some seven months later, on 11 November 1803 "Amethyst" captured "Spes", H. L. Cornelia, master. Three days later, "Amethyst" captured "Johannes". That same day "Amethyst" captured "Irene", L. J. Lubbens, master. In June 1804, a court martial dismissed Campbell from command of "Amethyst" and stripped him of all his seniority on the Captain's List for misconduct in an action with four Dutch vessels off the coast of Norway. Command transferred to Captain John Spranger. On 24 July "Amethyst", while in