Amethyst
| Property | Details |
|---|
| Mineral | Quartz |
| Mohs Hardness | 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.544 – 1.553 |
| Birthstone | February |
| Anniversary | 6th |
| Major Sources | Brazil, Zambia, Uruguay, South Korea |
| Treatments | Generally untreated; heat treatment to produce citrine |
Overview
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and one of the most popular and affordable colored gemstones. Colors range from a light, pinkish lavender to a deep, saturated royal purple, with the most valued shade being a rich, medium-dark purple with red flashes. Once considered as precious as diamond and sapphire, amethyst became widely available after large deposits were discovered in Brazil.
History & Lore
The name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning not intoxicated. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed amethyst could prevent drunkenness and keep the wearer clear-headed. English regalia were decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Catherine the Great of Russia had a passion for amethyst and sent thousands of miners to the Ural Mountains in search of fine specimens. Bishops traditionally wore amethyst rings, making it the bishop's stone.
Color & Varieties
The most prized shade is a rich, medium-dark purple with flashes of red, sometimes called Siberian amethyst after the now-depleted Russian mines that once produced the finest specimens. Rose de France amethyst features a delicate, pastel lavender that has become popular in modern jewelry. Ametrine, a naturally occurring combination of amethyst and citrine, displays zones of both purple and golden yellow in a single stone.
Quality & Value Factors
Color intensity is the primary value factor. Deep, saturated purple with red or blue secondary hues is most valuable. Clarity is expected to be excellent—eye-clean stones are the standard. Cut quality affects how well the stone displays its color. Amethyst is readily available in large sizes, so size alone does not dramatically increase per-carat value as it does with rarer gems.
Care & Cleaning
With a hardness of 7, amethyst is durable enough for everyday jewelry. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water or an ultrasonic cleaner. However, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can cause the color to fade over time, so store amethyst away from direct light when not being worn.
Shop Amethyst Jewelry
Browse our collection of gemstone jewelry including amethyst rings, earrings, and pendants.