Amethyst specimen

Robert M. Lavinsky, via Wikimedia Commons

Amethyst

Silicates

Specimen Details

  • Hardness (Mohs): 7
  • Chemical Formula: SiO2
  • Crystal System: Trigonal
  • Size: Specimen size varies; record the piece, not the species

Amethyst is purple quartz. The color is linked to iron and natural irradiation. It is trigonal, hardness 7, and is one of the most common stones in craft jewelry. Heating can turn it yellow or green.

This page is only for Amethyst. Comments below are for this material.

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