mineral
Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep purple to violet; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal system: Hexagonal/trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Deep purple to violet
- Luster
- Vitreous/glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep purple to violet; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal system: Hexagonal/trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, volcanic cavities (geodes), and granitic rocks when silica-rich fluid containing trace iron undergoes irradiation over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, lapidary arts, decorative polished stones, tumbling, and metaphysical gemstone collections.
Geological facts
Amethyst's name comes from the ancient Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated', as the Greeks believed it could prevent drunkenness. It is the official birthstone for February.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive purple color, hardness of 7, vitreous polish, and conchoidal fracture. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Madagascar, and Russia.
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