mineral

Tumbled amethyst

Quartz, SiO₂; purple color from trace iron and natural irradiation

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; translucent purple and white, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The image shows a polished/tumbled piece.

Identified October 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 7; translucent purple and white, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The image shows a polished/tumbled piece.

Formation & geological history

Amethyst forms as quartz crystals in silica-rich fluids, commonly lining volcanic-rock cavities; its age depends on the deposit and may range from millions to hundreds of millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, carvings, and mineral collections; this small tumbled specimen is mainly decorative.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identify by its purple color, glassy luster, hardness, and lack of cleavage; major sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Madagascar. This pictured piece appears to be an ordinary small tumbled specimen.