mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Fe4+ impurities
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Purple/Violet; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Purple/Violet
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Purple/Violet; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and basaltic geodes. The purple color is caused by trace amounts of iron being irradiated within the quartz crystal lattice during formation.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry (faceting, cabochons), as decorative display specimens, and in metaphysical or spiritual practices.
Geological facts
Amethyst was considered a precious stone on par with diamond and ruby until large deposits were found in Brazil in the 1700s. Its name comes from the Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic purple color and ability to scratch glass. Found heavily in Brazil, Uruguay, South Korea, Russia, and the United States (Arizona).
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