Amethyst

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Overview

Purple variety of quartz coloured by iron-related centres.

Identification characteristics

• Mohs hardness 7
• Streak: White
• Lustre: Vitreous

Formation and occurrence

Hydrothermal veins and geodes

Common uses

Gemstone and ornamental stone

Similar-looking specimens

Mineral

Fluorite

Frequently asked questions

+−Is amethyst a separate mineral species?

No. Amethyst is a purple variety of the mineral quartz (SiO₂).

+−How can amethyst be told from purple fluorite?

Amethyst (hardness 7) will scratch glass more readily; fluorite (hardness 4) is softer and shows octahedral cleavage.