gemstone
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Purple, violet; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Purple, violet
- Luster
- Vitreous
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: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Purple, violet; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily within geodes and igneous rock cavities through hydrothermal processes. The purple color results from irradiation of iron impurities in quartz over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Specifically used as a gemstone for jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings) and as a decorative mineral specimen for collectors and healers.
Geological facts
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. Its name comes from the Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated', as it was historically believed to protect against drunkenness.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive purple hue and crystal habit. Common locations include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and South Korea. In the field, look for purple crystals inside hollow volcanic geodes.
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
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone