Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz.

Occurrence and properties of natural amethyst

Amethyst is one of the most valued gemstones in the world. It is a variety of quartz that occurs in the form of well-formed crystals with an intense purple color. It is a stone with an unusual luster that has many properties and uses.

• Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale, making it fairly scratch-resistant.
• Transparency: It can be transparent or translucent.
• Deposits: It is found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, Madagascar, and Poland (in the Sudeten Mountains).

Historical and spiritual significance:

Amethyst has been considered a stone with mystical and healing properties for centuries. In ancient times, it was believed to protect against drunkenness and bring clarity of mind. In esotericism, it is considered a stone associated with intuition, spirituality, and inner peace.

Application

Amethyst is often used in jewelry to create jewelry such as rings, necklaces, and earrings. In addition, it is valued in lithotherapy and used in meditation and interior decoration, e.g., in the form of large geodes.

Is amethyst found all over the world?

Amethyst in its natural form is found in various parts of the world, although the best amethyst gemstones come from the Artigas region. These regions are famous for their beautiful, exceptionally well-formed crystals. Amethyst is found mainly in igneous rocks, especially volcanic rocks, where it forms crystals in various shades of purple.

Recognizing amethyst can be relatively easy, especially if you know a few characteristic features of this stone. Here are some tips to help you recognize amethyst:

1. Color: Amethyst has a characteristic purple color that can range from light purple to deep purple. It is worth noting that some varieties of amethyst may also have admixtures of other colors, such as white or red.
2. Transparency: Amethyst is usually transparent or translucent. Beautifully formed crystals or distinctive patterns can be seen inside the stone.
3. Hardness: Amethyst is hard, reaching 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means that it is difficult to scratch with most everyday objects.
4. Crystals: Amethyst often forms well-formed crystals with visible flat surfaces and pointed ends. These crystals can have various shapes, such as columns, pyramids, or agglutinated groups.
5. Luster: Amethyst has a characteristic luster that can be intense and attractive to the eye. This luster is due to the smooth surface of the stone and its crystal structure.
6. Reaction to light: Amethyst can exhibit pleochroism, which means that it can change color intensity depending on the angle of light. When observing the stone, you may notice subtle differences in color depending on the viewing angle.

What are the properties of amethyst?

Amethyst is a variety of quartz, a mineral composed of silica (SiO2). Here are some of the chemical and physical properties of amethyst:

Chemical properties of amethyst:

1. Chemical composition: consists mainly of silica (silicon oxide) with the chemical formula SiO2.
2. Hardness: it has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means that it is difficult to scratch with most everyday objects.
3. Silicon concentration: it contains a high concentration of silicon, which gives it durability and resistance to mechanical damage.

Physical properties of amethyst:

1. Color: A characteristic feature of amethyst is its purple color, which can vary in shade from light purple to deep purple.
2. Transparency: Amethyst is usually transparent or translucent, which means that light can pass through the stone.
3. Crystals: Amethyst forms beautifully shaped crystals that can have various shapes, such as columns, pyramids, or agglutinated groups.
4. Luster: Amethyst has a characteristic luster that results from the smooth surface of the stone and its crystal structure.
5. Density: The density of amethyst is approximately 2.6-2.7 g/cm3, which means that it is slightly lighter than most other minerals.
6. Crystal structure: Amethyst has a crystal structure that is characteristic of quartz. It consists of regularly arranged silica molecules.

The power of amethyst - the soul stone

Amethyst is also a very popular gemstone. Its sparkling crystals can be used to make jewelry, decorate objects, and create unique decorations. In addition, amethyst enhances creativity and intuition, which is why it is often called the soul stone.

What powers does amethyst have?

Amethyst has been used in magical and spiritual practices for centuries. It was believed to have protective powers, 

How to care for amethyst?

To keep your amethyst in the best possible condition, it is worth following a few simple care tips. Avoid contact with aggressive chemicals such as detergents or cosmetics. The stone should also be protected from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to the sun can affect its color. It is also worth remembering that amethyst is relatively hard, but it can still be scratched, so it is recommended to store it separately from other gemstones or jewelry.

What is an amethyst geode?

One of the most impressive natural phenomena associated with amethyst is amethyst geodes. An amethyst geode is a large outer shell that hides beautiful, easily recognizable amethyst crystals inside. Amethyst geodes are true treasures of nature and can be impressive in size. Valuable amethyst geodes can be found in amethyst deposits in various parts of the world. Owning an amethyst geode is not only an aesthetic experience, but also provides positive energy and inspiration.

Other purple stones in oure online store

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Charoite

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Amethyst - zodiac signs

Amethyst is recommended for the following zodiac signs:

Virgo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces