aMETHYST

Fine rectangular amethyst set in a double claw white gold and diamond ring

Variety:  Amethyst
Species:  Quartz
​​Mohs Hardness:  7 out of 10
Color:  Purple to violetish purple
RI:  1.544 to 1.553 (very constant)
Birefringence:  0.009
SR/DR/AGG:  DR
Clarity Type:  Type II
Optic Character:  Uniaxial positive.  Might show a bull's eye or Airy's spiral optic figure and Brazil law twinning under crossed polarizing filters.
Pleochroism:  Weak to moderate purple and reddish purple
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Generally inert.
SG:  2.66 (+0.03 / -0.02)
Routine Treatments:  Heating
Additional Enhancements:  Fracture-filling

amethyst Facts

Fine deep purple amethyst set in a white gold and diamond ring

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz.​

Although amethyst is the most expensive variety of quartz, it's still very affordable in comparison to other gems of comparable beauty.

Amethyst was one of the most expensive gems, along with ruby and emerald, until large amethyst deposits were discovered, in Brazil, in the 1800s.

Amethyst's name was derived from the Greek word amethystos, which means "not drunken", as amethyst was originally thought to ward off drunkenness.

Amethyst is a February birthstone and is the 6th and 17th wedding anniversary gemstone.

amethyst Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)