mineral

Rough Amethyst

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep purple to pale violet with brownish host rock; Luster: Vitreous to dull on raw surfaces; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Deep purple to pale violet with brownish host rock
Luster: Vitreous to dull on raw surfaces

Identified July 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and volcanic cavities (geodes) where silica-rich fluids cooled and crystallized with minor iron impurities exposed to natural radiation.

Uses & applications

Popular as a gemstone for jewelry, mineral specimen collections, lapidary projects, and metaphysical use.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the official birthstone for February. Its name comes from the ancient Greek word 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated', as ancient Greeks believed it protected against drunkenness.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive purple coloration combined with a Mohs hardness of 7 (scratches glass). Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and Zambia. Collectors should look for rich purple saturation and minimal fracture damage.

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