gemstone

Polished purple quartz gemstone, likely amethyst

Amethyst; crystalline silicon dioxide (SiO₂) colored mainly by iron-related defects

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; translucent violet to reddish-purple, with vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage; the photographed piece is polished and teardrop-shaped, with visible inclusions or surface reflections.

Identified September 19, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished purple quartz gemstone, likely amethyst
Scientific name: Amethyst; crystalline silicon dioxide (SiO₂) colored mainly by iron-related defects
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 19, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $3–$25 for a small commercial polished cabochon; $25–$150+ for attractive, well-cut, strongly colored natural amethyst.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Amethyst forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or volcanic cavities deposit quartz, commonly in basaltic geodes; many deposits formed during the Cenozoic, Mesozoic, or older Precambrian eras depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, and jewelry, and collected as a decorative gemstone; it has limited industrial use compared with ordinary quartz.

Geological facts

Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Bolivia, and Mexico. Purple color intensity and zoning vary with iron content and irradiation.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its purple color, glassy luster, hardness, and lack of cleavage; it should resist scratching by steel but scratch glass. Confirm with refractive index or gemological testing because dyed glass and other purple stones can resemble it.