

It does not break easily due to absence of cleavage planes. The amethyst is sufficiently durable and can be worn confidently without worry.
#Amethyst mystical properties crack
A persistent or sudden application of heat could cause a crack or colour alteration in the gem. While it poses no significant problems, care must be taken while soldering, as amethyst is sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Normal plating and pickling solutions do not alter its nature. The characteristic hardness of amethyst makes it an ideal choice for almost any type of jewelry setting. The key to this is the color, shape of crystal, inclusions, associations and formation of the amethyst. Experts can often identify the source mine that a particular amethyst came from. Different areas have different types of formations and iron distribution patterns. Amethysts are unique to geographical regions or even mines.

It has been found in quartz veins and siliceous volcanic as geodes. This is a rare property, possessed by only one other gemstone called tourmaline.įound in abundance, amethyst is a variety of macro crystalline quartz. All forms of quartz (including amethyst) are piezoelectric, which have important applications in electronics. Based on the size of crystals, quartz is mainly divided into two categories: macro crystalline quartz, in which the individual crystals are easily distinguishable and cryptocrystalline quartz, in which the crystals can be distinguished only under a powerful light microscope. It is present in an extensive range of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Quartz makes up about 12% of the earth’s crust, making it the single most abundant mineral on earth. It contains more iron than any other form of quartz. Experts are of the opinion that the rich purple colour of the amethyst is to its high content of Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) impurities. Therefore, buying from your trusted Jeweler or getting it checked with a gemstone laboratory first, is the safest way to go.Īmethyst in its purest form is colorless and transparent. However, it is not possible to state whether an amethyst has undergone irradiation or not. In that case the amethyst is lost and cannot be retrieved by any chemical process. Application of extreme or disproportionate heat may alter the existing pattern of iron impurities. As a rule the process is reversible, but there are exceptions. Irradiation may be done by two means: natural and synthetic. The iron impurities need to be re-oxidized to return the original colour. Heating the amethyst removes the colour or converts it to yellow Citrine, depending on the site and original oxidation state of the iron impurities present and the intensity and duration of heating. The amethyst is appreciated for its imperial shades and variety of cuts that lend it a dazzling look.Ī premium amethyst is purple, bluish purple to reddish purple in hue, vivid in intensity and medium dark in tone. In nature, amethysts appear long and prism-like with a six-sided pyramid at either end or as crystalline crusts with only the pointed terminations (druzes). By looking at its color, transparency, crystal habit, occurrence, hardness, and lack of cleavage, one can determine the authenticity of an amethyst. Intensely colored amethyst may have red flashes. So if you want a gem that is easy on your pocket and yet glamorous, amethyst is the perfect choice.Īlthough it must always be purple to be amethyst, it is available in an expansive array of purple shades. Its royal colour makes it desirable and can be compared to the most expensive of purple crystals.

If it were not for its abundance in nature, amethyst would be very expensive. Once adorned on the Crown Jewels of England, Amethyst is a royal gem – a symbol of sincerity, security, spirituality and peace of mind.Ī purple variety of quartz, amethyst is a semi – precious yet popular gemstone. Experts attribute the purple color of amethyst to small amounts of iron (Fe4+) impurities (approximately 40 parts per million) at specific sites in the crystal structure of quartz. Mostly occurring as purple, lilac or mauve in colour, the purest form is colorless. Amethyst Chemical Properties by Ritika ChangraniĪmethyst is a macro crystalline variety of Quartz with the chemical formula SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide).
