mineral
Amethyst
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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 of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal 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 solutions cool and crystallize over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in gemstone jewelry, decorative carvings, metaphysical collections, and occasional industrial applications requiring pure silica.
Geological facts
Its distinct purple color results from natural irradiation and trace amounts of iron impurities substituting for silicon within the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic purple coloration, high hardness, and lack of cleavage; commonly sourced from Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
