mineral

Chevron Amethyst

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Alternating bands of purple and white. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Alternating bands of purple and white
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or basaltic geodes when amethyst and white quartz grow together in layers. Often found in Precambrian to Cretaceous age rock formations.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used for jewelry, lapidary carvings, decorative tumbled stones, and as a popular specimen for crystal collectors.

Geological facts

Also known as 'Banded Amethyst' or 'Dogtooth Amethyst' because of its distinct V-shaped patterns. The purple color is caused by natural irradiation of trace iron minerals within the quartz structure.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct V-shaped (chevron) banding of translucent purple and opaque white quartz. Common locations include Brazil, Uruguay, Namibia, and India. Collectors look for sharp, high-contrast banding.

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