gemstone
Amethyst
Quartz (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Identified More gemstone →
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, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and gas cavities within volcanic rocks as silica-rich solutions cool over time.
Uses & applications
Widely used in fine jewelry, ornamental carvings, and holistic crystal collections.
Geological facts
The purple color is caused by natural irradiation and trace amounts of iron substituting for silicon within the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct purple color and hexagonal crystal termination. Found globally, with major deposits in Brazil and Uruguay.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Topaz
Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
mineral
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary