![]() Data from the United States Geological Survey. An amazing amount of amethyst is being produced. Much of this production is sold in the form of geodes, crystal plates, crystals, and tumbled stones. The United States Geological Survey estimated the world’s commercial amethyst production between 20. Some of the amethyst in the Spanish crown jewels may be from this deposit, brought back to Spain by Spanish explorers. The deposit was also known by Native Americans because a few amethyst arrowheads have been found nearby. The mine is well known for producing amethyst with a reddish purple color. Today, the only commercially run amethyst mine in the United States is the Four Peaks Mine in Arizona. Much of it has been as a byproduct of other mining operations. Other productive amethyst deposits are located in Canada, France, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and the United States.Īmethyst has been produced at many locations in the United States. This is a 10.5 x 8.5 millimeter gem, weighing about 3.15 carats. Four Peaks is the most important amethyst mine in the United States and is famous for producing amethyst with a reddish-purple color. Faceting, cabbing and ornamental grade amethyst can be found in all of these locations however, the amount is usually insufficient to support an ongoing mining operation.Īrizona Amethyst: A beautiful reddish-purple amethyst from the Four Peaks Mine, Maricopa County, Arizona. Small amounts of amethyst are found at many locations throughout the world in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. The name "amethyst" is an incorrect varietal name when used as an adjective for chalcedony. ![]() Purple chalcedony and lilac chalcedony, are acceptable names for this material. These materials also have a difference in refractive index. There is where you can observe the luster. If you use a hand lens or a microscope to examine the facet junctions on a faceted stone or the boundary between the flat base of a cabochon and its domed sides, you can usually find at least one tiny conchoidal fracture. Quartz has a vitreous luster on conchoidal fracture faces, while chalcedony has a dull luster on conchoidal fracture faces. The name chalcedony is used for microcrystalline quartz - quartz that is in crystals so small that they cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope.įortunately, it is easy to tell the difference between quartz and chalcedony. Why are those names improper? They are improper because purple quartz (amethyst) and chalcedony are two different gemological materials. It is often improperly called "amethyst" or "amethyst chalcedony." Purple Chalcedony: Chalcedony can occur in a wide range of purple colors. Enormous deposits of amethyst in South America and Africa provide enough amethyst to keep the price low. That makes it durable enough for use in rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants, and any type of jewelry. It is used to produce faceted stones, cabochons, beads, tumbled stones, and many other items for jewelry and ornamental use.Īmethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7 and does not break by cleavage. It is the purple color variety of quartz that has been used in personal adornment for over 2000 years.Īmethyst is the birthstone of February and an important New Age gem. These beautiful gemstones are perfect for any type of jewelry, from rings and earrings to bracelets and necklaces.Amethyst is the world's most popular purple gem. If you love rocks and gemstones, the amethyst stone is one that you cannot ignore. Amethyst gemstones can be set in both sterling silver and gold. These stones are usually cut into facets and used in all types of jewelry, from rings and earrings to bracelets and necklaces. Amethyst is also the birthstone for the month of February. These beautiful gemstones come in a variety of colors, from deep purple to pale lavender. Genuine Natural Geodes and Crystals are also preferred for Home Décor.Īmethyst gemstones have been used in jewelry making for centuries. The purple color of the Amethyst Crystals stands out with it is a unique beauty. Uruguay Amethyst Stones have a much deeper purple color compared to the Brazilian Amethyst Stones.Amethyst is essentially Quartz with Iron content. Even though Amethyst Stone is largely mined in Brazil and Uruguay, a few other countries in Asia and Africa also has Amethyst deposits. The Amethyst Crystal is also said to be helpful in promoting sleep, relaxation, and concentration.Īmethyst is one of the most popular stones due to its color, reasonable price, and certainly its beauty. It is said to be helpful in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. The Amethyst Crystal is a powerful stone that has been used throughout history for its healing properties.
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