mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple, violet, or lavender; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Purple, violet, or lavender
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple, violet, or lavender; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or geodes within volcanic rocks when silica-rich fluids cool and crystallize over thousands of years; color is due to irradiation of iron impurities.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, as gemstone specimens for collectors, and in decorative items or metaphysical practices.
Geological facts
The name comes from the Greek word 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated', as it was anciently believed to prevent drunkenness.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct purple color and hexagonal prism shapes in geodes. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Africa.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous