mineral

Rough amethyst (purple quartz)

Quartz, SiO₂; purple color from trace iron and irradiation

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; translucent purple with vitreous luster and uneven to conchoidal fracture. Trigonal crystal system, though this piece appears irregularly broken rather than well-formed.

Identified October 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 7; translucent purple with vitreous luster and uneven to conchoidal fracture. Trigonal crystal system, though this piece appears irregularly broken rather than well-formed.

Formation & geological history

Amethyst forms as silica-rich fluids deposit quartz in cavities and veins, commonly in volcanic rocks; specimens can range from young to hundreds of millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, carved ornaments, and mineral collections; lower-grade material is also used decoratively.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, and its color can fade with prolonged exposure to heat or strong sunlight.

Field identification & locations

Look for purple zones, glassy luster, and hardness sufficient to scratch glass; common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Madagascar. The photo shows a small rough piece, but exact identification and quality cannot be confirmed from appearance alone.