February Stones ~ Amethyst Gemstone Facts & Quiz
Ten Amethyst Gemstone Facts
1. Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz.
It is essentially the same mineral as quartz (SiO₂), but its purple color makes it distinctive and desirable as a gemstone.
2. Its violet to purple hues are caused by trace iron and irradiation.
Radiation within the earth alters iron impurities in the quartz lattice to produce the characteristic purple color.
3. Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7.
This makes it reasonably durable and suitable for most types of jewelry, though it can still chip or fracture with strong impact.
4. The gemstone forms in geodes and cavities of volcanic rocks.
Large amethyst crystals often grow within hollow cavities in basalt and other igneous rocks, sometimes producing spectacular geodes.
5. Color zoning is common within amethyst crystals.
Changes in growth conditions during formation often produce bands or zones of varying purple intensity within a single crystal.
6. Amethyst was once as valuable as ruby or sapphire.
Before large deposits were discovered in Brazil and elsewhere, high-quality amethyst was considered one of the “cardinal” gemstones.
7. Large and famous amethyst geodes exist.
Extremely large specimens, like the Empress of Uruguay geode (over 3 meters tall), show just how massive natural amethyst formations can be.
8. Heat can change amethyst’s color.
When heated, amethyst often loses its purple color and can turn yellow or orange (sometimes marketed as citrine); partially heated stones can form ametrine with both purple and yellow zones.
9. Amethyst’s crystal habit is typically six-sided.
Amethyst belongs to the trigonal crystal system and typically forms prismatic six-sided crystals ending in pyramidal tips.
10. Major commercial deposits are found worldwide.
Brazil and Uruguay are two of the most important sources; Zambia, Russia, Madagascar, Mexico, Canada, and the USA also produce significant amethyst material.
February Gemstones ~ Amethyst Quiz
As you may know amethyst is one of the gemstones of February. Here is a fun trivia quiz about this interesting gemstone.
No email is required - your score and the answers will come up here after you hit the Submit button :).
