mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Purple to violet, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal System: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Explore Amethyst in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Purple to violet, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal System: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or geodes within volcanic rocks where silica-rich fluids cooled over millions of years. The color results from irradiation of trivalent iron (Fe3+) in the quartz structure.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone, for decorative ornaments, and widely collected for display and metaphysical purposes.
Geological facts
Amethyst was once considered a Cardinal Gem, ranked alongside diamonds and rubies in value until major deposits were found in Brazil. Its name comes from the Greek 'amethystos,' meaning 'not intoxicated.'
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive purple color and quartz-like fracture. This specimen is shaped as a 'Pi stone' or donut pendant. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Russia.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock