mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (Quartz variety), SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, and hexagonal crystal system with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, and hexagonal crystal system with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and gas cavities (vugs) within volcanic rocks through silica-rich solutions cooling over time.
Uses & applications
Widely used in gemstone jewelry, ornamental carvings, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Its distinct purple color results from irradiation and trace amounts of iron substituting for silicon in the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its purple color and hardness that scratches glass; commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
