mineral

Raw amethyst (purple quartz)

Quartz, SiO₂; purple color typically comes from iron-related defects and natural irradiation

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent purple to smoky-lilac, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The image appears to show a rough, partly weathered crystal, though identification from the photo is not definitive.

Identified October 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms as quartz crystals in gas cavities and fractures in volcanic rocks, often from silica-rich fluids. Amethyst deposits range from ancient to geologically recent, depending on the host rock.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, carvings, ornaments, and mineral collections; lower-grade material may be used decoratively.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz; heating can turn some material yellow or orange, resembling citrine.

Field identification & locations

Look for purple coloration, glassy surfaces, and quartz’s hardness; common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Madagascar. Verify with a scratch or hardness test rather than color alone.