mineral

Amethyst (Chevron or Banded variety)

Silicon Dioxide with Iron impurities (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Purple with white quartz bands
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or volcanic geodes. The purple color comes from irradiation of iron impurities within the quartz structure. Banded varieties like this form when layers of amethyst and milky quartz grow sequentially over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular 'healing crystal' or meditation stone in the metaphysical market.

Geological facts

The name comes from the Ancient Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated', as it was believed to prevent drunkenness. Chevron amethyst specifically is a combination of amethyst and white quartz that forms a V-shaped pattern.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive purple color and white 'V' or zig-zag banding. It is commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Africa. In the field, it is often found within agate-lined geodes or as secondary mineral deposits in rock cavities.

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