It comes from Ancient Greek ἀ a- ("not") and μέθυστος méthystos ("intoxicated"). The origin should read "Ancient Greek". The term "precious stone" is a misnomer here, as the stone is semi-precious. It refers specifically to purple quartz. [noted -ed]
In the early Renaissance, the amethyst was believed to prevent evil thoughts. Not only that, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the amethyst would prevent intoxication.
Amethyst was one of the 12 stones in the breastplate of the Hebrew high priest in Exodus 28:19. The Jewish name for the stone, "ahlamah", was derived from the word "halam", which means "to dream." It was supposed that wearing an amethyst while one slept would cause one to dream.
The term "precious stone" is a misnomer here, as the stone is semi-precious. It refers specifically to purple quartz. [noted -ed]