gemstone
Amethyst
Quartz (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Amethyst in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms within gas cavities in volcanic rocks through hydrothermal processes, often occurring in geodes over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in fine jewelry, ornamental carvings, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Amethyst was once as valuable as diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald until large deposits were discovered in Brazil.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive purple color and quartz crystal form; commonly sourced from Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Pearl necklace
Pearl, primarily aragonite (CaCO₃) and conchiolin
gemstone