mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: light to deep purple; Luster: vitreous; Crystal structure: hexagonal; Cleavage: none; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- light to deep purple
- Luster
- vitreous
Identified More mineral →
Explore Amethyst in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: light to deep purple; Luster: vitreous; Crystal structure: hexagonal; Cleavage: none; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous or metamorphic environments when silica-rich fluids fill cavities (geodes) or veins. The purple color results from irradiation of iron impurities within the quartz crystal lattice.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, decorative carvings, and for metaphysical collecting.
Geological facts
Until the 18th century, amethyst was included in the cardinal gemstones on par with diamonds and rubies. It is the birthstone for February.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic purple color and standard quartz hardness (it will scratch glass). Often found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary