Amethyst is a variety of quartz known for its brilliant purple crystals.

The purple color is produced by trace iron inclusions in the crystal structure which have lost an electron due to gamma irradiation. This tiny change results in hues that can range from pale lilac to deep reddish purple.

Amethyst typically forms in volcanic, igneous, and certain metamorphic rocks, as those contain enough radioactive trace elements for sufficient irradiation to produce the required change in iron atoms. Quartz containing nonirradiated iron is called eisenkiesel.

Heating amethyst will change the color from purple to clear and then to yellowish. Heat treated amethyst are often misidentified as citrine.

Amethyst can fade if overexposed to light and can be artificially darkened with adequate irradiation.

Polished amethysts are widely sold as gemstones for jewelry and have been used in a variety of decorative ways for thousands of years.

Size: 2" and up clusters/crystals

The pictures are representative of the specimens you will receive.