mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron impurities
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Purple/Violet to Lilac with white quartz banding; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Purple/Violet to Lilac with white quartz banding
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Purple/Violet to Lilac with white quartz banding; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or as linings in volcanic geodes. The purple color is caused by irradiation of trivalent iron impurities within the quartz crystal lattice.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, as a decorative lapidary stone for carvings, and as a popular focus for crystal collectors and metaphysical practitioners.
Geological facts
Amethyst was considered a 'Precious Stone' until large deposits were found in Brazil in the 19th century. The name comes from the Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic purple color and hexagonal habit. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia. It is distinguishable from other purple stones by its hardness and absence of cleavage.
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Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
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Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
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Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
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Mineral
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Mineral/Rock