February Stones ~ Amethyst Gemstone Facts & Quiz
Amethyst gemstones are beautiful crystals that have many interesting geological properties as well as a fascinating history. Here are ten amazing facts about amethyst stones followed by a fun trivia quiz. How many can you get right?? 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…
Where is Amethyst Found?
Amethysts are Found on all Five ContinentsMost of us are familiar with the amethyst gemstone but where is amethyst found in the world? Amethyst is quite common and is found on all continents, with the larger deposits currently being mined in South America, Africa and North America. The largest global producer is Brazil with an annual production of around two to three thousand tons followed by Zambia producing about a thousand tons per year. Amethyst is a type of quartz, one of the most common minerals on earth. Chemical processes and the presence of iron and manganese in the quartz gives amethyst its purple color, varying from pale lilac through lavender and mauve to deep violet. Amethyst crystals are hexagonal in structure made up of…
How are Amethyst Geodes Formed?
The Stunning Purple Gemstone of FebruaryAmethyst geodes are among nature’s most beautiful creations. Their stunning purple crystals have fascinated people for centuries, and the formation process behind them is both intricate and fascinating. Understanding how amethyst geodes are formed involves delving into the geology of the Earth, the role of minerals, and the lengthy process that turns ordinary rock into a dazzling, crystal-filled cavern. Amethyst is the stunning gemstone for February so those born in that month will be fascinated by how their birthstone is formed over millions of years.
Six Different Types of Amethyst ~
Purple, Cape, Pink and 3 more…Six different types of Amethyst are Purple Amethyst, Cape Amethyst, Pink Amethyst, Mossy Amethyst, Ametrine and Prasiolite. The first four are related to the shade or form of the Amethyst crystal, and are all 'true' Amethysts. The last two are closely related to the Amethyst gemstone but are different varieties. These are not the only types of Amethyst crystals, there are others such as Auralite, Brandberg Amethyst and Cactus Quartz. There can also be a few synonyms for the same type of Amethyst crystal, for example Cape Amethyst is also known as Chevron Amethyst. Note that many names in the gemstone industry are 'trade names' or common names given to…
Guide to Amethyst Crystal ~ The Purple Wonder ~ Properties and History
This information packed article is sure to answer some of your most burning questions about Amethyst crystal. Discover all you need to know about the properties and history of this alluring purple stone. By Rick Aubin. View Amethyst Crystals Amethyst Crystal Properties Geological Information Amethyst is a high-quality form of quartz crystal, naturally found as clusters in a nodular stone. They are found sometimes in volcanic vugs or small cavities in rocks. The chemical name for Amethyst is Silicon Dioxide. Amethyst obtains its color through a combination of manganese impurities and iron. The purple color comes from the presence of manganese, while the existence of iron in certain quantities…
