gemstone
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 when silica-rich solutions cool and crystallize over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in high-end and fashion jewelry, ornamental carvings, and appreciated as a popular collector specimen.
Geological facts
The purple color is caused by natural irradiation and trace amounts of iron impurities substituting for silicon within the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinct purple coloration and hardness that can easily scratch glass. Found globally, with major deposits in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
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