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Amethyst

Quartz

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Modified: March 2022
Amethyst Polished Amethyst Rough Amethyst Jewelry
Add amethyst to your gemstone collection. Shop for amethyst from gemstones.com on Jedora!
Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Amethyst Colors
  • Alternate Names
  • Countries of Origin
  • History
  • Care
  • More About Amethyst
  • Related Videos

Amethyst was prized by ancient civilizations and was closely associated with spirituality, faith, and wisdom. The color purple has long been associated with royalty and the aristocracy. It is the birthstone for February. The color of amethyst ranges from light to intense purple. The lighter lilac or lavender variety is often called Rose de France amethyst. The most prized amethyst is transparent and exhibits an intense, uniform, purple color with red flashes.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Amethyst
Species
Quartz
Transparency
Transparent - Translucent
Dispersion
Strength: Weak Fire Value: 0.013
Refractive Index
1.544-1.553
Tolerance:very constant
Birefringence
0.009
Optic Character
Uniaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert to weak blue
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
Dichroic, weak to moderate purple and reddish purple
Hardness
7
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
2.640-2.690 Range:0.03/-0.02 Typical:2.660
Toughness
Good
Inclusions
Amethyst is a type II clarity stone. Color zoning in stones is often present in the form of "soap scum", "tiger stripes" or "zebra stripes", crystals, negative crystals, liquid inclusions, two-phase inclusions, partially-healed fractures, hematite needles.
Luster
Vitreous
Stability
Good
Fracture
Conchoidal
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
silicon dioxide (aka silica)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Crystal System
Trigonal
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Amethyst Colors

  • Purple Amethyst
    Purple
  • Purple Amethyst
    Purple
  • Purple Amethyst
    Purple

Alternate Names

Rose of France if pale lilac, Spirit Quartz if it has secondary pale amethyst growth coverage.

Countries of Origin

Tanzania, United Republic Of; Afghanistan; Argentina; Sri Lanka; Uruguay; United States of America; Madagascar; Zambia; Thailand; Bolivia (Plurinational State of); India; Canada; Mozambique; Morocco; Unknown; Botswana; China; Namibia; Brazil; Mexico; South Africa; Nigeria

History

Whether in faceted stones, crystal specimens, polished pebbles or beads, amethyst has enjoyed popularity in nearly every culture throughout its ancient history. Before the lucrative deposits of Africa and South America were discovered, amethyst was as treasured as ruby and emerald. February's traditional birthstone, striking purple amethyst is the most popular gemstone of the quartz group.

Care

Avoid a jeweler's torch

Amethyst Gemstone

More About Amethyst

Deeply steeped in history and lore, ancient cultures believed amethyst had protective and curative powers; it was closely associated with spirituality, faith, and wisdom. It was even thought to prevent drunkenness. In fact, its name comes from the Greek and means not drunk. For centuries amethyst was reserved for the rich and the royal. Its deepest shades call to mind the power of "old money" and the sophistication of the wealthy. Fortunately, the beauty, history, and mystery of amethyst can now be affordably yours. Why not treat yourself like royalty and enjoy all that amethyst offers?

Related Videos

Shop amethyst from gemstones.com on Jedora. Amethyst is the perfect purple quartz to collect!
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