M Tumble Stones - Amethyst Banded (Grade B)

• The banding is the whole story. Bands of rich purple sit beside pale, almost frosted white, and no two stones draw the lines in the same place.
• The finish is glossy and rounded, with soft edges and no sharp corners, so they sit comfortably in a closed hand.
• Some stones lean darker, with near-black violet pooling at one end; others are mostly pale with a single bold stripe.
• This is the Grade B selection, so you may find the odd natural mark, small surface line or uneven patch of colour. These are part of how banded amethyst forms rather than a flaw in the polishing.

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. Its violet is generally attributed to traces of iron within the crystal structure, and the paler, cloudier bands are quartz that grew with less colour as conditions changed during formation. The result is the striped, layered look you see here, sometimes called banded or chevron amethyst. Our stones come from Namibia.

Tumbled stones start as rough pieces of mineral, loaded into a rotating drum with water and progressively finer grit. Over days of slow turning, the edges wear down and the surface takes on its polish. It is a patient process, and the reason each stone ends up smooth, rounded and individual.

Amethyst has been prized for centuries, and in many traditions it is associated with calm and clarity. Beyond that, these stones are simply good company: a small handful in a ceramic dish on a desk, one kept in a coat pocket to turn over between thoughts, a few set beside a candle or on a windowsill where the light can reach the bands. They also make a gentle gift, easy to post and easy to keep.

Because these are natural stones, you will receive a mix rather than a matched set. Size, shape and the balance of purple to white will vary from one stone to the next, and the photograph shows the character of the range rather than the exact stones you will receive.

A soft, dry cloth is usually all a polished stone needs. If they gather dust, a quick wipe with a barely damp cloth, dried straight away, will bring the shine back. Keep them away from harsh cleaners.