Rock Identifier
Amethyst (Quartz Variety) (Amethyst (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2 with ferric iron impurities)) — mineral
mineral

Amethyst (Quartz Variety)

Amethyst (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2 with ferric iron impurities)

Hardness: 7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale lavender to deep violet/purple; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness
7
Color
Pale lavender to deep violet/purple
Luster
Vitreous (glass-like)
Identified More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale lavender to deep violet/purple; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and cavities (geodes) of igneous rocks. The violet color results from irradiation, iron impurities, and the presence of trace elements. Major deposits date from various geological eras, notably the Cretaceous era in South America.

Uses & applications

Extensively used as a gemstone in jewelry (rings, necklaces), ornamental carvings, and widely collected by mineral enthusiasts for metaphysical or decorative display.

Geological facts

Ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent intoxication; the name comes from the Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not drunk'. It is the birthstone for February and was once considered one of the five cardinal gemstones until large deposits were found in Brazil.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic purple terminal crystal points and hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife). Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Canada. Look for rocky geodes or vugs in volcanic basalt regions.

More like this

Other mineral specimens

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions) (Arenite (SiO2 based)) — sedimentary

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary
Epidote (Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)) — metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic
Nephrite Jade (Nephrite) — Mineral/Rock

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble) (Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)) — Metamorphic Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock
Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral
Epidote (Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)) — mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral