Amethyst is one of the stones that was most highly prized in the ancient world, and continues to be prized by many people today. Amethyst, along with Amazonite, is one of relatively few gemstones with the specific purpose of improving intellectual and cerebral thought. Referred to as “nature’s tranquilizer,” Amethyst calms and soothes, assisting the transmission of neural signals through the brain. It relieves obsessive compulsive disorder and hyperactivity in children and animals. Place under the pillow or mattress or rub the center of the forehead counterclockwise to cure insomnia and stimulate pleasant dreams. It is especially effective for children’s recurring nightmares and fears of the dark and may help alleviate homesickness.