mineral
Amethyst
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple, violet, or lavender; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Purple, violet, or lavender
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple, violet, or lavender; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins and basaltic geodes as a result of silica-rich water depositing crystals. The purple color is caused by natural irradiation or trace amounts of iron and other transition metals.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings) and as decorative specimens for collectors or metaphysical purposes.
Geological facts
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. The name comes from the ancient Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated', as it was believed to prevent drunkenness.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic purple color and hexagonal crystal terminations. Found worldwide, with major deposits in Brazil and Uruguay. Collectors look for deep saturation and clarity.
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Schist
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Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
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