mineral
Amethyst (rough purple quartz)
Quartz, SiO₂; purple color from trace iron and natural irradiation
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7; lavender to violet, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and no true cleavage. The image appears to show a small rough or broken specimen; its properties cannot be confirmed visually.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7; lavender to violet, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and no true cleavage. The image appears to show a small rough or broken specimen; its properties cannot be confirmed visually.
Formation & geological history
Amethyst forms as quartz crystals in silica-rich cavities, commonly in volcanic rocks; deposits range from ancient to geologically recent.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry, ornaments, and mineral collections; lower-grade material is also used for decorative objects.
Geological facts
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, with color intensity varying by iron content and irradiation.
Field identification & locations
Look for purple color and glassy luster; common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and other regions. The image alone cannot establish the specimen’s identity or provenance.
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