mineral
Amethyst Cluster
Silicon Dioxide with Iron impurities (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Violet to deep purple. Luster: Vitreous (glass-like). Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None, conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: ~2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Violet to deep purple
- Luster
- Vitreous (glass-like)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Violet to deep purple. Luster: Vitreous (glass-like). Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None, conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and geodes inside volcanic rocks. The purple coloration is produced by irradiation of trace amounts of iron (Fe3+) in the quartz crystal structure.
Uses & applications
Popular as a gemstone for jewelry, ornamental carvings, crystal healing practices, and mineral collection display pieces.
Geological facts
Amethyst is the official birthstone for February. Ancient Greeks believed wearing or drinking from cups made of amethyst would prevent intoxication, which is where its name comes from (from Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated').
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive purple color, six-sided prismatic crystal terminations, and glass-like luster. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, Zambia, and Russia. Hand-sized clusters of reasonable quality typically range from $15 to $50.
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