mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness 7 on the Mohs scale; light to deep violet purple color; vitreous luster; hexagonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 on the Mohs scale; light to deep violet purple color; vitreous luster; hexagonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in geothermal, hydrothermal veins and inside volcanic rock cavities or geodes when silica-rich fluids cool and crystallize over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Popularly used as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry, decorative items, mineral collections, and holistic wellness products.
Geological facts
The distinctive purple color comes from trace amounts of iron irradiation within the quartz crystal lattice. Ancient Greeks believed it prevented drunkenness.
Field identification & locations
Look for characteristic purple color combined with quartz-like hexagonal crystal structures or vitreous glass-like conchoidal fractures. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
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