gemstone

Amethyst chip

Quartz, SiO₂; purple variety colored mainly by iron-related defects

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and white-to-purple coloration. The visible piece appears to be a small rough or tumbled purple quartz fragment.

Identified August 14, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Typically Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and white-to-purple coloration. The visible piece appears to be a small rough or tumbled purple quartz fragment.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids fill cavities in volcanic rocks, especially basalt, where iron impurities acquire purple color through irradiation. Deposits range from Paleozoic to Cenozoic in age.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, carvings, collector specimens, and ornamental objects; small chips have modest commercial value.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the traditional February birthstone and the purple member of the quartz family. Heating commonly turns it yellow-orange, producing citrine-like material.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its purple color, glassy luster, hardness, and lack of cleavage; it should scratch glass but not be scratched by a steel knife. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Mexico.