mineral
Amethyst (Raw)
Amethyst (Silicon Dioxide with Iron impurities, SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: light purple to violet, Luster: Vitreous/glassy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal system, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Explore Amethyst (Raw) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: light purple to violet, Luster: Vitreous/glassy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal system, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous or metamorphic rocks as secondary deposits inside geodes or volcanic cavities. The color is caused by trace amounts of iron and natural irradiation over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry, lapidary arts, spiritual/metaphysical collecting, and as ornamental display specimens.
Geological facts
Amethyst was considered a precious stone alongside diamond and ruby until large deposits were found in Brazil. Its name comes from the Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated', as ancients believed it prevented drunkenness.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic purple hue, hexagonal crystal habit (if present), and inability to be scratched by a steel knife. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and regions of Africa and North America.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock