Amethyst

The purple variety of crystalline quartz.

Colors & patterns

Pale lilac to rich purple, sometimes with white quartz zones.

Typical origins

Major commercial sources include Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.

Hardness

7 on the Mohs scale.

Choosing & setting this material

Cabochons show soft color zoning and natural inclusions. Prolonged strong light or heat can affect color; request disclosure of treatments and synthetic material.

Care & cleaning

Clean gently with lukewarm water, a little mild soap and a soft cloth, then dry. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes, especially when treatments are unknown.

Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.

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Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments