mineral
Amethyst
Quartz (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.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and gas cavities within volcanic rocks as silica-rich solutions cool over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a gemstone in jewelry, decorative items, and prized by mineral collectors.
Geological facts
The purple color is caused by irradiation and trace amounts of iron impurities substituting for silicon in the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct purple hue, crystal prism form, and resistance to scratching steel; commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
