AMETHYST

REFRACTIVE INDEX    1.544  - 1.553
HARDNESS     7
SPECIFIC GRAVITY     2.651

MINERAL  CLASS        Quartz

 

  

Amethyst gemstone is a violet variety of quartz commonly used in jewellery and is extremely popular.   Amethyst usually comes in beautiful hues of violet,  purple  lavender and mauve. However, the most sought after and most valuable color is that of a deep purple with tinges of violet. 

 

Amethyst variety of quartz derives its purple color from trace amounts of iron that have been oxidized from exposure to naturally occurring ionizing-radiation.   

On exposure to heat, the irradiation effects can be partially cancelled and Amethyst Gemstones generally becomes yellow or even green.

 

Almost all the African countries are famous for producing best quality Amethyst gemstones But, the largest Amethysts deposits in the world  are found in Southern Brazil, Uruguay,and Madagascar. Some of the other well known countries for Amethysts are,  Zambia, America, Germany, Russia, Sri Lanka and India.