gemstone

Amethyst (likely tumbled or cut fragment)

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; purple to violet with translucent areas, vitreous luster, and conchoidal fracture. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage; the specimen appears polished or irregularly shaped, with a pale/white quartz zone.

Identified September 13, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Amethyst (likely tumbled or cut fragment)
Scientific name: Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), purple variety colored mainly by iron impurities and irradiation
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $2-$15 for a small tumbled piece; $10-$100+ for a well-colored cut or natural specimen, with exceptional crystals worth much 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 in silica-rich hydrothermal fluids filling cavities in volcanic rocks, especially basaltic geodes; many deposits formed during the Cenozoic, though ages vary widely. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Mexico.

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, ornaments, carvings, and mineral collections; lower-grade material is sold as tumbled stone or décor. Value depends strongly on color saturation, transparency, size, and workmanship.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the traditional February birthstone and was historically regarded as protection against intoxication. Heating can turn it yellow-orange, producing citrine or ametrine-like material.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its purple color, glassy luster, hardness, and absence of cleavage; genuine quartz scratches glass but not easily with a steel blade. The image alone cannot confirm whether it is natural, dyed, or glass.