mineral

Amethyst (Tumbled)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple, violet, or lavender; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Purple, violet, or lavender
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified May 29, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple, violet, or lavender; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or geodes within volcanic rocks when silica-rich fluids permeate cavities. The purple color is caused by irradiation of trivalent iron impurities. Found globally in deposits spanning various geological ages.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (beads, cabochons), crystal healing, decorative items, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the February birthstone. Its name comes from the Ancient Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated', as it was believed to protect its owner from drunkenness.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive purple color and lack of cleavage. Tumbled stones like this are commonly found in gift shops and crystal stores. Major commercial sources include Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral