gemstone

Amethyst cabochon

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), purple variety colored mainly by iron impurities and irradiation

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; purple, translucent to transparent, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and poor cleavage. The rounded polished form is a cabochon, likely set in a decorative jewelry piece.

Identified August 15, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Amethyst cabochon
Scientific name: Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), purple variety colored mainly by iron impurities and irradiation
Category: gemstone
Identified: August 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 for a small common cabochon; $30–$150+ for fine, well-cut natural material, depending on color, clarity, size, and setting.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; purple, translucent to transparent, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and poor cleavage. The rounded polished form is a cabochon, likely set in a decorative jewelry piece.

Formation & geological history

Amethyst forms in silica-rich hydrothermal veins and volcanic cavities, commonly lining basalt geodes; associated deposits range from Precambrian to younger volcanic rocks. The image does not permit confirmation that the insert is natural rather than synthetic or glass.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, carvings, collections, and ornamental objects. Commercial cabochons are generally inexpensive.

Geological facts

Purple color varies with iron content and irradiation and may fade with prolonged heat or intense sunlight. Amethyst is February’s birthstone and a quartz variety rather than a separate mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Identify by hardness, glassy luster, conchoidal fracture, and purple zoning; it should scratch glass but not be scratched by a steel knife. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Mexico; microscopic bubbles or very uniform color may indicate glass or synthetic material.