mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (Quartz variety), SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins and cavities within volcanic rocks as silica-rich fluids cool over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, decorative carvings, and metaphysical crystal collecting.
Geological facts
Amethyst was once considered as valuable as diamond until large deposits were discovered in Brazil during the 19th century.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinct purple coloration and hardness that easily scratches glass; commonly sourced from Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
