gemstone
Tumbled Amethyst
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system (though polished smooth here), conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Tumbled Amethyst in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, purple to violet color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system (though polished smooth here), conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and cavities (vugs) within igneous and metamorphic rocks, where silica-rich solutions cool and crystallize over millions of years
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry, ornamental carvings, crystal healing, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors
Geological facts
Amethyst was once as valuable as ruby and emerald until extensive deposits were discovered in Brazil during the 19th century. Its purple color is caused by irradiation and trace amounts of iron.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic purple coloration and quartz hardness (scratches glass). Found worldwide, with major deposits in Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and the USA
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Black Opal Ring (Carved Opal)
Hydrated Silicon Dioxide (SiO2·nH2O)
gemstone