mineral
Raw amethyst
Quartz, SiO₂; purple coloration from trace iron and irradiation
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7; pale to medium purple, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and no true cleavage (fractures unevenly). The pictured piece appears rough and partly translucent.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7; pale to medium purple, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and no true cleavage (fractures unevenly). The pictured piece appears rough and partly translucent.
Formation & geological history
Forms as quartz crystals in silica-rich cavities and veins, commonly within volcanic rocks; deposits range from ancient to geologically recent.
Uses & applications
Used for jewelry, carvings, ornamental objects, and mineral collecting.
Geological facts
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz; its color can fade with prolonged heat or strong sunlight.
Field identification & locations
Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Madagascar. Identify it by its purple color and quartz-like hardness; this image alone cannot confirm the variety.
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