mineral

Tumbled Amethyst

Quartz (SiO2) with trace amounts of Iron (Fe)

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Deep purple to violet; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Deep purple to violet
Luster: Vitreous/Glassy

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled Amethyst in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Deep purple to violet; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or geodes when silica-rich water cools in cavities of volcanic rock. The purple color is caused by gamma irradiation of trivalent iron impurities.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for high-quality jewelry, lapidary arts, spiritual/metaphysical collecting, and decorative display.

Geological facts

Amethyst was considered a cardinal gem until large deposits were found in Brazil in the 19th century. Its name comes from the Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated'.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its purple hue and ability to scratch glass. Tumbled specimens like this are commonly found in gift shops and lapidary mixes worldwide. Main sources include Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.

Other mineral specimens

See all

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