Mineral
Amethyst
Silicon dioxide, SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 on the Mohs scale, purple color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 on the Mohs scale, purple color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in silica-rich liquids deposited in gas cavities of volcanic rocks
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry and for decorative purposes
Geological facts
Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz and owes its color to irradiation, impurities of iron and in some cases other transition metals, and the presence of other trace elements.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its purple color and hardness. Commonly found in geodes. It is the traditional birthstone for February.
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