Purple shell from Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, with a 5 petal lilac. White coral, amethyst, and puka shells.

About lilacs...
Lilacs are a type of edible flower which grows in clusters on trees. They can come in shades of pink, purple, or white, and normally only have 4 petals each. However, a rare genetic mutation (similar to the kind which produces 4 leaf clovers) can cause some flowers to grow 5, 6, 7, or even more petals. These rare specimens are often considered lucky. In Russian folklore, it is good luck to eat a 5 petal lilac.


Amethyst is a beautiful purple crystal that also makes beautiful jewelry. The name comes from a Greek word, amethustos, meaning “not drunk”. Greeks believed that drinking wine from a cup carved from amethyst would prevent intoxication. Greek myth says that the stone was created when the god of intoxication was very angry and swore he would kill the next person that crossed his path. That person was Amethyst, a beautiful maiden. However, a goddess turned her into quartz to protect her. When the god saw what had happened, he was remorseful and poured wine over the stone as an offering to the girl. The wine stained the top of the stone purple.
Leonardo da Vinci praised amethyst for quickening intelligence and dissipating evil thoughts. It was believed to bring good luck and prevent home-sickness. Aaron, Hebrew high priest in the Bible, wore an amethyst on his breastplate.