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
SS Empire Amethyst SS Empire Amethyst Empire Amethyst was an 8,032 ton tanker which was built in 1941. She was torpedoed and sunk by on 13 April 1942. "Empire Amethyst" was built by the Furness Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Haverton Hill-on-Tees as yard number 330. She was launched on 8 July 1941 and completed in December 1941. "Empire Amethyst" was built for the Ministry of War Transport and operated under the management of the Hadley Shipping Co Ltd, Middlesbrough. "Empire Amethyst" was homeported in Middlesbrough. "Empire Amethyst" was a member of a number of convoys during the Second World War. Convoy ON 17 sailed