mineral

Amethyst (Chevron/Dream Amethyst)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Purple with white quartz banding; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Purple with white quartz banding
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified April 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Purple with white quartz banding; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or volcanic cavities (geodes) when silica-rich water cools. The purple color comes from Gamma irradiation and iron impurities. Chevron variations form through alternating growth layers of amethyst and white quartz.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (beads, cabochons), carvings, decorative ornaments, and widely collected by mineral enthusiasts and practitioners of crystal healing.

Geological facts

Amethyst is the birthstone for February and was once considered as valuable as diamonds until large deposits were found in Brazil. The name comes from the Ancient Greek 'amethystos', meaning 'not intoxicated'.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive purple hue and V-shaped white quartz banding (in Chevron types). It can scratch glass but will not be scratched by a steel knife. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and South Korea.

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