gemstone
Amethyst
Quartz (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Amethyst in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins and gas cavities within volcanic rocks through the crystallization of silica-rich solutions containing trace iron.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and crystal collecting.
Geological facts
Its purple color is caused by irradiation and trace amounts of iron substituting for silicon in the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct purple color and conchoidal fracture; commonly sourced from Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Topaz
Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
mineral
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary