Memorable Amethyst
Straight from the Mine to You
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, with the chemical formula SiO₂ (silicon dioxide). Its purple color comes from small amounts of iron in the quartz combined with natural radiation over geological time. Colors range from very pale lavender to intense violet and reddish-purple. Amethyst is the traditional February birthstone.
Origin
Amethyst occurs around the world. Brazil and Uruguay are major sources, while notable material also comes from places including Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and the United States. Brazil's discovery of enormous deposits during the 19th century dramatically increased the stone's availability.
How to test the "Realness" of Amethyst
Look closely at the color: Natural amethyst often has uneven purple coloration — lighter and darker areas or bands. A perfectly uniform, extremely vivid purple can be suspicious, although genuine stones can sometimes be quite even. Shine a bright light through thinner portions. Genuine amethyst is usually translucent and may show internal fractures, wispy inclusions, or color zoning. Round air bubbles are a warning sign for purple glass.
Interesting Facts about Amethyst
Raw amethyst commonly grows as pointed crystals lining cavities in volcanic rock. When an entire hollow cavity becomes lined with crystals, it forms an amethyst geode.