mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, volcanic gas cavities, and pegmatites through the irradiation of trace iron impurities in quartz.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a gemstone in jewelry, decorative ornaments, and metaphysical collections.
Geological facts
Ancient Greeks believed amethyst prevented intoxication, deriving its name from the Greek word amethystos, meaning not intoxicated.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinct purple coloration and hexagonal prismatic crystal habits; commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
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Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Limonite
FeO(OH)•nH2O
mineral
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic