Amethyst
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameAmethyst
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorspurple, violet
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityJuchem Quarry, Niederwörresbach, Idar-Oberstein, Hunsrück Mts, Germany
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector, ornamental
Associated Mineralschalcedony, calcite, zeolites
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a close-up of vibrant purple amethyst crystals, showcasing their sharp, multifaceted terminations and a luminous quality as light passes through the translucent material. The crystals are clustered, forming a geode-like structure.
Geological Context
Amethyst typically forms in hydrothermal veins and cavities (geodes) within igneous rocks, especially basaltic lavas. Its characteristic purple color results from trace amounts of iron impurities within the quartz lattice, which are then subjected to natural irradiation.
