mineral
Banded Amethyst
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple with white or gray quartz bands; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Purple with white or gray quartz bands
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple with white or gray quartz bands; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or igneous geodes. The purple color is caused by irradiation of iron impurities in quartz. The bands often represent alternating periods of crystal growth with varying levels of iron and quartz concentration.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for decorative purposes, jewelry (beads, cabochons), and as metaphysical or healing stones in the New Age community.
Geological facts
Commonly known as 'Chevron Amethyst' when the bands form V-shapes. It is the birthstone for February and was once considered as valuable as diamonds or rubies until large deposits were found in Brazil.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic purple-to-dark-violet color mixed with white milky quartz bands. In the field, it is often found within agate geodes in basaltic rocks. Major deposits are in Brazil, Uruguay, and Africa.
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Mineral
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