mineral
Amethyst
Quartz (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins and gas cavities within volcanic rocks as silica-rich solutions cool.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and spiritual collection.
Geological facts
Its purple color is caused by irradiation and trace amounts of iron impurities within the quartz lattice.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive purple color and quartz crystal structure; found globally with notable deposits in Brazil and Uruguay.
