mineral

Banded Amethyst

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

Identified July 6, 2026More mineral →

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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.