mineral

Amethyst

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale lavender to deep violet; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale lavender to deep violet
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale lavender to deep violet; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or as linings within geodes inside igneous rocks. The purple color is caused by irradiation of trivalent iron impurities (Fe3+) in the silica structure.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors and holistic practices.

Geological facts

Amethyst was considered a precious stone on par with diamonds until large deposits were found in Brazil in the 19th century. Its name comes from the Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct purple hue and quartz-like crystal habit (six-sided prisms). Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and South Korea.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral