'amethyst' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amethystos', where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'methystos' meant 'intoxicated'.

'amethystos' transformed into the Latin word 'amethystus', and eventually became the modern English word 'amethyst' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'not intoxicated', as it was believed to prevent drunkenness, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a purple gemstone.