mineral
Amethyst cluster
Quartz, SiO₂; purple coloration is caused mainly by trace iron and natural irradiation
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPurple, translucent to transparent quartz crystals with a vitreous luster and hexagonal crystal structure; Mohs hardness 7, with no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The small specimen appears as a rough crystal cluster.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Amethyst cluster in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Purple, translucent to transparent quartz crystals with a vitreous luster and hexagonal crystal structure; Mohs hardness 7, with no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The small specimen appears as a rough crystal cluster.
Formation & geological history
Amethyst forms as quartz crystals lining cavities in volcanic rocks, often in basalt geodes; deposits range from ancient to geologically recent. The image does not reveal its specific locality or age.
Uses & applications
Commonly collected and used for jewelry, ornaments, and decorative specimens.
Geological facts
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz; heating can turn some material yellow or orange, resembling citrine.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its purple color, glassy luster, and hard, pointed quartz crystals. Major sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Russia; avoid assuming color alone proves natural origin.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous