mineral
Amethyst (Chevron Amethyst/Dream Amethyst)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace Iron impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Purple with white quartz banding; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Purple with white quartz banding
- Luster
- Vitreous/glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Purple with white quartz banding; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or geodes when silica-rich solutions crystallize. High-grade amethyst gets its color from gamma radiation and iron impurities. Chevron varieties form through alternating layers of white quartz and amethyst.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, crystal healing, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. Ancient Greeks believed it could prevent intoxication, hence the name 'amethystos' which means 'not drunken'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic purple color and V-shaped (chevron) white quartz banding. It is harder than glass (can scratch a glass bottle) and lacks cleavage planes.
