Amethyst
Image: Jarno from Rotterdam, Netherlands (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameAmethyst
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorspurple, pink, reddish-purple
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityBrazil
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector, decorative
Associated Mineralsagate, calcite, zeolites, feldspar
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays two clusters of amethyst crystals, with the foreground cluster exhibiting a vibrant reddish-purple hue, likely enhanced as noted in the metadata. The crystals are well-formed, terminated, and show a vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Amethyst forms in hydrothermal veins and cavities, often within volcanic rocks such as basalts, where silica-rich fluids deposit quartz crystals. The purple color is due to irradiation of iron impurities within the quartz lattice.
