mineral

Amethyst (Chevron Amethyst/Dream Amethyst)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace Iron impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Purple with white quartz banding; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Purple with white quartz banding
Luster: Vitreous/glassy

Identified April 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Purple with white quartz banding; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins or geodes when silica-rich solutions crystallize. High-grade amethyst gets its color from gamma radiation and iron impurities. Chevron varieties form through alternating layers of white quartz and amethyst.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, crystal healing, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the birthstone for February. Ancient Greeks believed it could prevent intoxication, hence the name 'amethystos' which means 'not drunken'.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic purple color and V-shaped (chevron) white quartz banding. It is harder than glass (can scratch a glass bottle) and lacks cleavage planes.

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