mineral

Amethyst (likely rough or cleaved crystal)

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and hexagonal crystal structure; this specimen appears dark purple and opaque-to-translucent, though the blurred image limits certainty. No obvious cleavage is expected.

Identified September 20, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Amethyst (likely rough or cleaved crystal)
Scientific name: Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), purple variety colored mainly by iron impurities and irradiation
Category: mineral
Identified: September 20, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5-$30 for a small common rough piece; $30-$200+ for attractive crystal clusters, with exceptional specimens worth substantially more.

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

Formation & geological history

Forms when iron-bearing quartz crystallizes in gas cavities and fractures of volcanic rocks, especially basalt, from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids; commonly Cenozoic to older, depending on deposit.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone, ornamental stone, crystal specimen, and in polished geodes or décor. It is also popular in mineral collecting and metaphysical markets.

Geological facts

Purple color intensity varies with iron content and heat exposure; heating can produce yellow citrine or green prasiolite-like material. Amethyst is February’s birthstone.

Field identification & locations

Common localities include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Namibia, and Mexico. Confirm with a glass-scratching test only cautiously, inspect for quartz-like fracture, and avoid relying on color alone because dyed glass or slag can resemble it.