mineral
Amethyst
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms within hydrothermal veins and gas cavities in volcanic rocks, commonly known as geodes, through the cooling of silica-rich solutions containing iron impurities.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in high-end and commercial jewelry, as well as valued as a popular decorative mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Amethyst was once considered as valuable as diamond, ruby, and emerald until large deposits were discovered in Brazil during the 19th century.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive purple coloration and quartz hardness; commonly sourced from Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and the United States.
