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Purple is the colour of hope – at least in Zambia. In this African land people believe that a glittering gem will give them a better life. For the dusty ground of the Savannah contains vast deposits of amethyst whose mining is to bring work and a modest degree of affluence. In Europe, from time immemorial, the purple amethyst has had great mystical significance. Since the Middle Ages, it has been regarded as the jewel of the bishops, as a symbol of humility and of redemption. Nowadays, for esoterics, healers and wellness pundits it is the stone that has special powers – whether in healing waters, in massage or astrology. Spiritually oriented people, in particular, regard this gem as a stone with healing properties. In China, too, the amethyst has become a symbol of hope: with its huge gem cutting shops it has become the largest amethyst processor in the world. The gem industry in Germany is suffering from the pressure of the competition from China. The film showcases the diverse facets of this gem. It focuses on healing properties and symbols of power, on rich and poor and, finally, on a global marketing thriller. For the first time a television production shows this world-wide competition – with the amethyst in the main role and follows the trail of the purple stone in Zambia, Hong Kong, China and Europe.