mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: purple to violet; Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: hexagonal/trigonal; Cleavage: none; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- purple to violet
- Luster
- vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: purple to violet; Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: hexagonal/trigonal; Cleavage: none; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or volcanic geodes when silica-rich water crystallizes in the presence of trace iron and natural irradiation. Found in ages ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, as decorative collector specimens, and in metaphysical practices.
Geological facts
The name comes from the ancient Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated', as it was believed to prevent drunkenness. It is the birthstone for February.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic purple hue and glass-like luster. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia. In the field, look for crystalline cavities in basalt or volcanic rock.
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