mineral
Amethyst
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms within gas cavities in volcanic rocks through hydrothermal solutions rich in iron at low temperatures.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, as ornamental carvings, and by collectors for crystal specimens.
Geological facts
The purple color results from natural irradiation and trace amounts of iron substituting for silicon within the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct purple hue and quartz crystal form; commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
