mineral
Amethyst
Quartz (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 with no true cleavage.
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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 with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins and gas cavities within volcanic rocks as silica-rich fluids cool and crystallize over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, spiritual practices, decorative carvings, and as a popular collector mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Its distinct purple color is caused by natural irradiation and trace amounts of iron substituting for silicon within the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic purple color and high hardness of 7; commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
