Amethyst Gem Guide and Properties Chart

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

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
Purple
Purple

Alternate Names

Spirit Quartz If It Has Secondary Pale Amethyst Growth Coverage, Rose Of France If Pale Lilac

Countries of Origin

Tanzania, United Republic Of; Afghanistan; Argentina; United States of America (the); Sri Lanka; Uruguay; 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

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?