mineral

Amethyst

Amethyst (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2 + Fe4+)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: light to deep purple (due to iron and natural irradiation), Luster: vitreous (glassy), Crystal System: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified July 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and common in volcanic rock cavities (geodes). The purple color results from trace amounts of iron and iron-oxygen complexes that have been subjected to ionizing radiation within the earth's crust.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in jewelry making, as a decorative lapidary material, and highly valued by mineral collectors and the metaphysical community.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the February birthstone. In ancient Greece, it was believed that wearing or drinking from vessels carved from amethyst would prevent intoxication.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its purple hue and quartz-like hardness (scratches glass). Look for six-sided prismatic crystals and conchoidal fractures in the field. Common locations include Brazil, Uruguay, and Namibia.