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
Amethyst Incident drawing the attention of PLA snipers. By the time the shelling stopped at about 11:00, 22 men had been killed and 31 wounded in all. "Amethyst" had received over 50 hits and holes below the waterline were plugged with hammocks and bedding. During this time the destroyer "Consort" was sighted, flying seven White Ensigns and three Union flags, steaming down from Nanking at 29 knots. Admiral Madden, the Flag Officer, second in command, Far East Station, ordered the destroyer HMS "Consort" (Commander Robertson) to go from Nanking to the "Amethyst"'s assistance, and ordered the frigate "Black Swan" (Captain Jay) to