Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge: The Purple Haze of #Amethyst

It has been 4 years since I used the color amethyst in a monthly color challenge! I thought it would be interesting to revisit parts of that post this week.

Rather than use the predictable reds or pinks typical for February in recognition of Valentine’s Day, I thought the purple tones of amethyst would be fun to explore.

Amethyst is the February birthstone. The Amethyst gem is also associated with the calming of physical passions. The gem’s purple colors represented the purity of spirit. In folklore, amethysts were used to aid in the healing of wounds.

Gemstone colors
Original Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Skies of Amethyst

Nothing was more exciting in the night skies than seeing several northern light displays during 2024-2025, but 2026 is also proving to show its true colors.

This was a foggy view of a rather strong aurora last week. But nothing compared to …

purple northern lights

….these astonishing auroras taken in 2024!

Leafy Northern Lights
northern light, corona
The Phoenix Shall Fly

“Yesterday and tomorrow cross and mix on the skyline. The two are lost in a purple haze. One forgets, one waits.” ~ Carl Sandburg

Amethyst in Stones

These are the best images I have of amethyst stones. Last year, while in Arizona, I went shopping with my daughter at a “make-it-yourself” jewelry store. One table displayed countless bowls of gemstones, and I was particularly drawn to two filled with amethysts.

bowls of amethyst stones

I also have some jewelry with amethysts in the settings.

amethyst and silver earrings
Amethyst and Sterling Earrings

Pleasing Purple Passions

Our February landscape is devoid of any color now except brown and gray. At least when we’ve had a decent snowy winter, we’d have scenes like this:

Pink skies create amethyst snow
An Astonishing Winter Dawn, 2022

By May, spring will have arrived, bringing riots of color, including lots of purple florals. Here is a gallery of what’s to come:

Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment. — Ellis Peters

These wildflowers begin growing in May. Hurry….!

Wait, I’m supposed to be patient…

“Flower of this purple dye, Hit with Cupid’s archery, Sink in apple of his eye.” – William Shakespeare

All images in this post were taken with Samsung Galaxy Cell Phones

Sharing for Johnbo’s CellPic Sunday and Lens-Artists: What Astonishes You?

purple brushstroke

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Reminders

The Sunday Stills weekly-themed photo challenge is easy to join. You have all week to share and link your post. Please use your own original images, whether new or from your archives.

If you are participating in the photo challenge, I look forward to seeing how you interpret this week’s color challenge theme! Creativity is encouraged, so please share your own photographs (old or new), poems, original short stories, and music inspired by the theme.

You have all week to link your amethyst-themed posts for the color challenge! Join me next week as we explore the theme “SWEET.”

amethyst meme
signature purple floral

© 2026 Copyright — Terri Webster Schrandt and secondwindleisure.com — All Rights Reserved

All content on this blog is copyrighted. Please do not repost or reblog without my permission.


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110 responses to “Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge: The Purple Haze of #Amethyst”

  1. Amethyst is a wonderful colour, and lovely variety of shots that speak of amethyst, Terri. I was really happy when you showed photos of amethyst gemstones, and read that you went shopping with your daughter in a jewelry store and amethyst caught your eye. I love gemstones and collect them, and amethyst is one of them. In fact I have some amethyst just like the bowls in your photos – hard to stop at collecting one as they can be so beautiful. Your amethyst earrings are beautiful.

    How lucky you got to see some auroras last week. But wow the previous ones you saw are truly something spectacular. A stunning riot of colours 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Mabel! I love the idea of collecting a few stones, and amethyst is on my list. I hope to visit that store again soon while we’re in Arizona.

      I feel very blessed to be able to see the northern lights from our property. Have a great day, Mabel!

      Like

      1. Maybe the next time you visit the shop in Arizona, another crystal or rock might pique your interest 🙂 Always such a delight to see the Nothern Lights! Wishing you well, Terri 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  2. […] Amethyst Valentines Post for Sunday […]

    Liked by 1 person

  3. […] More of Terri’s Sunday Stills Challenge: The Purple Haze of Amethyst. […]

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  4. Terri, thank you for this beautiful celebration of amethyst. It’s my Mother’s birthstone and it does make very special jewellery pieces – I love the ones you feature here. Wow! Those aurora photos are stunning and surreal! Absolutely breathtaking!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Annika! Lucky Februrary birthdays! And we feel lucky every time we see the northern lights.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Terri,

    I love your Winter Dawn photograph, and the Northern Lights are stunning through your camera. Many years ago, Helen and I visited Rio where Amethysts are mined. We bought one and had it placed in a pendant. I would love to show it off here, but we’re in Florida on an RV trip and it’s at home. My contribution is a purple Rhododendron which is native to our mountains. BTW, when I was young, my favorite song was “Purple People Eater” (LOL).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Your rhodie is so lush and pretty, Joe. They also grow well here, which reminds me to look into planting some! Thank you, Joe! Enjoy Florida! We’re heading south in 2 weeks!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. […] Sunday Stills Amethyst Monthly Color Challenge influenced the pictures I chose for this post. […]

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Hi Terri this is a wonderful blog post Amathist and Purple are my favourite colours.

    I have not been ignoring you I have been on a break… I am now working my way back 💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Willow! I can’t help but think of you and your favorite color! Glad you’re back from your break! 💜

      Like

      1. Its good to be back 💜💜👍

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Such glorious shades of amethyst you’ve shared here! Amethyst was one of my mom’s favorite stones (alongside rose quartz) and I always think of her when I see it ❤ My brother has given me a few raw hunks of amethyst over the years and they truly do carry a sense of calm within them.

    Hope you’re having a lovely week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Melissa! What a beautiful memory of your mother and your brother sounds generous, too. Thanks for the lovely comment! 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  9. This is terrific Terri – should I say “astonishing” ?!?!? Must admit I was about to say I have nothing colored as amethyst and Iloved your post!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much, Tina! We need to use the word astonishing more often, right! I’m glad the amethyst skies turned out so well!

      Like

  10. […] Many thanks to Terri for her Sunday Stills challenge The Purple Haze of Amethyst […]

    Liked by 1 person

  11. The auroras get to shine again!!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Beautiful purples. The auroras take the cake! 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Debby. Those northern lights always hog to limelight! 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. No doubts! 😍

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Beautiful examples of purple hues, Terri especially the Northern LIghts! 💖 And your spring flowers are a lovely sight, since we’re caught up in a nastier-than-usual winter here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much, Debbie! The next purple I’ll see in the garden is a purple crocus. Hope you’re staying out of that weather, take care!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
    What lovely amethyst photos you shared! I needed all the flower therapy you shared after that cold week in Pennsylvania I had! 💜🪻Thank you!
    I do have a funny amethyst in my Tuesday post! Look for it towards the end!
    Happy Valentine’s Day!
    💜💜💜💜💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Nancy, I was short on actual stones. I almost forgot I took pictures at the Scottsdale store. I’ll have to return and take more pics!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. One of my favorite colors, Terri! There is something so magical about amethysts, too! Gorgeous photos, Terri! Thank you! Cher xoxoxo

    Like

  16. Beautiful skies, Terri. Your shots are amazing! I’m a fan of amethysts and have always worn them. A make-your-own-jewelry store sounds like a lot of fun. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Diana! Amethysts are beautiful stones. I would wear a ring with the stone. I’ll have to visit that store while we’re in Scottsdale!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Another great color challenge! I love your feature photo! And of course, your painted skies! I’m sharing giant amethysts from my travels. 🙂 Giant Amethysts from my Travels – Cats and Trails and Garden Tales

    Liked by 1 person

  18. […] week’s theme from Sunday Stills is #Amethyst and I took the challenge quite literally, reminded of the giants I’ve seen in my […]

    Liked by 1 person

  19. […] for Sunday Stills Color Challenge – Amethyst and Macro […]

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Beautiful post, Terri. I love all shades of purple. 💜💟🍇

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Eugi! So many amazing shades of the color!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, Terri.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Someone told me that when you are wearing purple clothes/jewels you’re not only feeling good yourself but you also make the people who see you feel good.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I can believe that, Maria. Purple has a strong resonance!

      Liked by 1 person

  22. 💜 Pleasing purples! 💜

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Color is just so wonderful! Beautiful pictures Terri!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. What a beautiful post.
    I’m inspired!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Dawn! Hope to see some purple from you!

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Beautiful, Terri – I love that colour

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Goodness, those skies are breathtaking. We have some pretty sunsets but the only time they might appear amethyst would be with an approaching rain storm. I am partial to snow and snow pictures, too, and that snowy amethyst landscape is amazing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, I never get tired of seeing the northern lights, Leslie! The morning light was pink, and the snow looked purple in the low light. My phone camera may have enhanced the purple a bit!

      Like

  27. Oh, I love my birth month there: springtime. And the winter dawn photo is my favourite!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Hazel! Which month?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. May. My pleasure, Terri

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Oh! Definitely spring here in May!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Looking forward to photos of spring. I will enjoy them on my birthday 😍

        Liked by 1 person

      4. I’ll remember and be sure to send you some virtual flowers 💐

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Thanks, Terri

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Amethysts are beautiful stones. My mom’s birthday is in February and you may recall my post about how she gave me her amethyst ring and I lost it (as well as her silver locket). Your earrings are beautiful here Terri. I like that you can pick the type of jewelry to put the stone into. After my father left, my mom had a cross with a diamond inset made for me out of her engagement ring and gave me the band with tiny diamonds which I wore as a pinkie ring for many years. I do not have amethyst in tonight’s post – it is part three of my long walk on September 10th, but I will be doing a tribute to my mom on what would have been her 100th birthday for Valentine’s Day this Saturday, so I’ll mention amethyst, but I have a flower post for Wordless Wednesday too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Linda! Purple is such a rich, lovely color. The actual amethysts I saw at the craft store were beautiful in their bowls.

      The celebration of your Mom’s 100th birthday will be heartfelt.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Amethysts are so pretty. My birthstone is diamond … colorless and a bit boring as gemstones go.

        Yes, it will be a heartfelt post. I have a lot of vintage photos, a few that I’ve used in prior posts about my mom, but I am amazed that except for two photos, one tattered and one with a stain (both of them 100 years old), that these photos look as good as they do. I’ve written the post and the pictures are ready, but I have to put it together now.

        Liked by 1 person

  29. I love amethyst, Terri. This is one of the most beautiful colors in nature. 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It truly is, Colleen, thank you!

      Like

  30. purple themes have such a fun boost as it as an amazing color and your photos had some great skies

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much, Yvette! I never get tired of seeing the northern lights!

      Liked by 1 person

  31. […] topic for this week’s Sunday Stills […]

    Liked by 1 person

  32. Ooh, I do love the purple themes! And how fun to write up my piece, then come here and discover you’d used the aurora, too! Such amazing colors!

    https://frostonthemoosedung.com/2026/02/08/sunday-stills-amethyst-2/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Cathy! Aurora’ purples and greens are so cool to see. I feel so lucky to them here!

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Cindy’s favorite color. It’s a great color for flowers and kings’ robes. It’s an unusual color rather than one we see constantly. If we wear purple or amethyst we stand out a little bit. At least the color would stand out in my closet! It’s a breath of fresh air. I’ll take some deep amethyst breaths and post them by Wednesday. 🙂 Have a great week! xxxxxxxxxxx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Marsha! I read there are over 100 varieties of purple flowers! I don’t wear much purple either, but a dark plum color is OK. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m right there with you, well maroon, more than plum even.

        Liked by 1 person

  34. It’s a wonderful colour, isn’t it? I have a pale amethyst in my engagement ring, Terri. I was horrified to lose the stone a couple of years ago. The replacement isn’t the exact same colour, but close. Happy Valentine’s week! xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m very drawn to the color, but I dont wear much purple, Jo. I’m glad you were able to replace the amethyst in your wedding ring. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  35. What a mixed bag of beautiful pictures… The pictures of the sky showing purple hues are splendid and I do like the bearded iris ( the name’s cool). Amethyst is a beautiful stone.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Smitha…interesting the things we take pictures of. I enjoy doing the color challenges because of what I might find in my archives.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I looked through my gallery and found all kinds of purple flowers and nothing else 😊. I’ll share it as soon as I feel better.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. That will be perfect, hope you feel better!!

        Like

  36. A beautiful gallery. I love your reference to Jimi Hendrix, but there was also Prince’s Purple Rain. >grin<

    Like

  37. Pretty purple, Terri. I’ll have to see what I can find.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Wow! The gallery is gorgeous. The various purple shades are captivating.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Egidio! Purple has so many rich shades.

      Like

  39. Beautiful aurora photos and I Iove that winter dawn photo too. Here’s mine today: https://grahamsisland.com/2026/02/08/amethysts/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Graham! Those winter dawns were scarce this year. Auroras a’ plenty, though.😁

      Liked by 1 person

  40. What a beautiful post Terri!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Anne! I’m glad I had a few new ones to share.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. […] week’s Sunday Stills color challenge is ‘Amethyst.’ See more responses here. Just a couple from me this week. The top photos is a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air auto looking very […]

    Liked by 1 person

  42. Terri, your amethyst colors are amazing. I love your astonishing northern lights and the winter dawn. The collection of flowers is beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Beth! “Astonishing” is such a great descriptor, thanks for the extra inspiration this week!

      Liked by 1 person

  43. Wonderful gallery, Terri. I love the hues of amethyst in the sky in your photos…outstanding.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much, Suzette! 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Love your pictures Terri. I love amethyst as a stone and color.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Sadje! I think it’s a soothing color!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Very much so. Always been a favorite of mine.

        Liked by 1 person

  45. Wonderful post. This shade of purple was my favorite 50 years ago.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Jacqui! It’s a rich, lovely color, great choice!

      Liked by 1 person

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About Me

I’m a former university adjunct Professor and retired recreation & parks practitioner living in North-Eastern Washington State near the Idaho border. Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is my blog about living a leisure lifestyle, including photography, friends, fitness, and fun.

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