gemstone

Amethyst (likely tumbled or polished)

Quartz, SiO₂; purple color commonly caused by trace iron and natural irradiation

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Violet, translucent, and glassy; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65. The image is too small to assess internal banding or inclusions.

Identified September 25, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Violet, translucent, and glassy; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65. The image is too small to assess internal banding or inclusions.

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-rich hydrothermal veins and gas cavities in volcanic rocks; amethyst deposits range from geologically young to hundreds of millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, ornaments, and mineral collections; lower-grade material is commonly tumbled or carved.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, and its color can fade with prolonged heating or strong sunlight.

Field identification & locations

Look for purple quartz with a glassy luster and hardness sufficient to scratch glass; common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia. The pictured piece appears to be a small polished specimen, but its identity cannot be confirmed from the image alone.