mineral
Amethyst
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple color ranging from pale lilac to deep violet, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple color ranging from pale lilac to deep violet, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms within gas cavities in volcanic rocks (geodes) or hydrothermal veins where silica-rich fluids cool over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in fine jewelry, ornamental carvings, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Its purple color is caused by natural irradiation and trace amounts of iron substituting for silicon in the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive purple color and lack of cleavage; commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and the USA.
