gemstone

Amethyst beads

Amethyst, purple quartz (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Purple, glassy luster; Mohs hardness 7; trigonal crystal structure, though these beads are polished and show no natural crystal faces or cleavage. The image is consistent with amethyst but does not establish whether the color is natural or treated.

Identified October 3, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz colored by trace iron and natural irradiation in geological settings such as volcanic-rock cavities and hydrothermal veins. Amethyst deposits range from ancient to geologically recent.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, jewelry, ornaments, and mineral collecting.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz; its color can fade with prolonged heating or intense sunlight.

Field identification & locations

Look for purple coloration, glassy luster, and hardness sufficient to scratch glass; polished beads cannot be reliably sourced from appearance alone. Major sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Russia.