Amethyst, the most precious variety of gem-quartz, is a fairly common crystal. In general, the darker amethysts are more highly valued than the pale stones. Quartz can form in nearly any type of rock, but amethyst often forms in the cavities of volcanic rock. Nearly 130 million years ago, in Uruguay and Southern Brazil (the main sources of the gem), gas bubbles became trapped in cooling silica-rich lava and formed cavities. At a later point, water percolating through the rock dissolved some of the silica and deposited it as amethyst crystals inside these hollows. Amethyst’s distinctive color is caused when a few iron atoms replace the silicon atoms in the quartz solution. Amethyst is often found inside geodes (those cavities in volcanic rock), though it’s also found in alluvial deposits. Amethyst is sometimes heat-treated to intensify its color.

Astrology: February birth stone, connected with Aquarius; in India, connected with Saturn
Chakra: 6th and 7th, the brow and crown
Metaphysically, amethyst is known as a protective crystal with a highly spiritual vibration that encourages love of the divine energy. It’s also a stone whose calm energy aids in meditation is considered helpful when trying to break an addiction.
According to Ayurvedic healers, amethyst gives off a minute electrical charge that helps bring the body back into electrochemical balance. It also transmits short ultraviolet light waves that help alleviate anxiety and anger by absorbing the any excess heat in the body.

In Victorian jewelry, amethyst was often paired with pearls. It’s also been strung with turquoise and jade, and works beautifully with peridot and citrine. The darker amethysts will provide a rich contrast in multicolor pieces when combined with stones like amber, chrysoprase, lapis lazuli, and carnelian.

Color: Pale lavender to deep purple
Chemical composition: SiO2 silicon dioxide
Mohs’ Hardness: 7
Transparency: Transparent
Luster: Vitreous
Fracture: Conchoidal, very brittle
Crystal system: Hexagonal (trigonal) with hexagonal prisms
Cleavage: None
Specific gravity: 2.63-2.65
Streak: White
Refractive index: 1.544-1.553
Dispersion: 0.013
Pleochroism: Very weak; violet, gray-violet
Fluorescence: Weak; greenish
Occurrence: Africa, Brazil, Britain, Canada, India, Malagasy Republic, Siberia, Sri Lanka, United States, Uruguay