mineral

Amethyst (Raw Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple to violet due to irradiation and trivalent iron; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Purple to violet due to irradiation and trivalent iron
Luster: Vitreous/Glassy

Identified June 20, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or as linings in geodes. The purple color is a result of trace amounts of iron and natural radiation within the earth's crust. It is typically found in igneous host rocks like basalt.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry and as a gemstone. It is also a highly popular mineral for collectors, home decor, and spiritual/metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

Until the 18th century, amethyst was included in the cardinal gemstones along with diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald. Massive deposits discovered in Brazil drastically lowered its rarity and market value.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive purple hue and hexagonal crystal faces. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and South Korea. Field identification relies on hardness (cannot be scratched by steel) and lack of cleavage.

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