mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (Quartz variety), 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.
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, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily within gas cavities in volcanic rocks through hydrothermal solutions containing iron impurities and natural irradiation.
Uses & applications
Widely used in high-end and alternative jewelry, decorative sculptures, and prized heavily by mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Its distinct purple hue comes from trace amounts of iron irradiation replacing silicon within the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive purple coloration and high hardness; commonly sourced from Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
