The name amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethystos (counteracting intoxication) and refers to the traditional belief that with an amethyst one is protected against the intoxicating effects of wine and other alcohol. Spellings such as Amathyst, Amethist, Ametist, Ametyhst, Ametyst, Amnethyst, Amthyst or Amythist are therefore incorrect.