mineral

Amethyst

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Violet to deep purple. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Violet to deep purple
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Violet to deep purple. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and basaltic geodes. The purple color is caused by irradiation of trivalent iron (Fe3+) impurities in the quartz structure. These specimens likely originate from the Deccan Traps or surrounding Precambrian metamorphic belts.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used as a gemstone in jewelry, for decorative items (geodes, carvings), and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Amethyst was considered a precious stone comparable to diamond until massive deposits were found in Brazil and India. The name comes from the Ancient Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated', due to a belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive purple hue, hexagonal crystal habit (if present), and inability to be scratched by a steel blade. The location (near Hyderabad) is geologically consistent with occurrences in the quartz-rich veins of the Eastern Ghats or secondary deposits in the Deccan Plateau.