mineral

Amethyst

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Purple, violet, Lavender; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Purple, violet, Lavender
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Purple, violet, Lavender; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or geodes within volcanic rocks where silica-rich minerals were deposited and colored by natural radiation and iron impurities.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (as a gemstone), ornamental carvings, and by crystal collectors for aesthetic and metaphysical purposes.

Geological facts

Amethyst was considered one of the five cardinal gemstones until the discovery of large deposits in Brazil in the 19th century. Its name comes from the Greek word 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated'.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive purple hue and hexagonal crystal shape. Common locations include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Canada. In the field, look for purple crystals inside spherical rock cavities (geodes).

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

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metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/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