mineral

Amethyst (or Light Amethyst / Rose Quartz)

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale lavender, light purple to faint pinkish-violet. Luster: Vitreous (glass-like). Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale lavender, light purple to faint pinkish-violet
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified July 24, 2026More mineral →

Explore Amethyst (or Light Amethyst / Rose Quartz) in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and geodes within igneous and metamorphic rocks. The purple coloration in amethyst is caused by trace amounts of iron irradiation within the quartz crystal lattice.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a gemstone in jewelry, decorative carvings, lapidary projects, and for gemstone collecting or crystal healing practices.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the official birthstone for February. Ancient Greeks believed that drinking wine from cups made of amethyst would prevent drunkenness, deriving its name from the Greek 'amethystos' meaning 'not intoxicated'.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its hardness (scratches glass, cannot be scratched by steel knife), pale purple color, vitreous luster, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, Zambia, and Russia.

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