Amethyst
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wald1siedel" title="User:Wald1siedel">Wald1siedel</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameAmethyst
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorspurple, violet, lavender
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityBrazil, Uruguay, Zambia
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, collector's specimens
Associated Mineralscalcite, goethite, hematite, other quartz varieties
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a mineral shop, and among the various specimens, a tray of rough, purple amethyst crystals is visible, showcasing their characteristic color and crystalline form.
Geological Context
Amethyst forms in hydrothermal veins and cavities within igneous rocks, particularly basalts, where silica-rich fluids deposit quartz crystals. The purple color results from irradiation of iron impurities within the quartz lattice.
