
mineral
Tumbled purple quartz, likely amethyst or lavender quartz
Quartz (SiO₂), probably iron-colored amethyst; exact variety uncertain from the image
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7; pale purple, translucent to opaque, with a vitreous-to-waxy polish and conchoidal fracture. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage; density is about 2.65 g/cm³.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7; pale purple, translucent to opaque, with a vitreous-to-waxy polish and conchoidal fracture. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage; density is about 2.65 g/cm³.
Formation & geological history
Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins and cavities, commonly in volcanic rocks; amethyst’s purple color results mainly from irradiation and iron impurities. Individual specimens may range from Precambrian to Recent deposits.
Uses & applications
Used as an ornamental tumbled stone, lapidary material, and inexpensive jewelry gemstone; high-quality amethyst is faceted or made into cabochons. This piece appears to be a polished or tumbled specimen.
Geological facts
The uniform lavender color and rounded edges suggest tumbled quartz rather than a naturally weathered pebble. The visible dark linear feature may be a fracture, inclusion, or polishing-related surface defect.
Field identification & locations
Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Mexico, and the United States. Confirm quartz with a steel/glass scratch test only on an inconspicuous area; definitive amethyst identification may require microscopy or spectroscopy.
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