Learn about Amethyst
Amethyst is love in a gem! St. Valentine too is believed to have worn an amethyst ring with Cupid’s image.
Amethyst
- Quartz
- , ,
- 7 Mohs
- Aquarius Pisces
- Wisdom, Peace, Good fortune
- February Birthstone
Round
Pear
Oval
Overview
Renowned for its splendorous hue, an amethyst is the most popular variety of quartz. This stunning semi-precious stone is formed in geodes called "hollow rocks". Found all across the globe, they develop underground in long prismatic clusters above the geode base.
Typically, this gemstone occurs as a six-sided crystal and a crystalline crust that coats other rocks. Most of the amethyst jewelry available today is created from the pyramid-shaped crystal formations.
1. Key Origin
- While South America is still the most prominent source for large sized amethyst stones, they are also found in Brazil, United States, Canada, Mexico, Africa, Australia and India.
- While the mines in Africa produce some of the most deep-purple colored and smaller sized amethyst stones, Australia is renowned for the darkest varieties.
2. Associations
- An amethyst is attributed with the power to calm the mind and prevent conflicting emotions.
- It is also regarded to be the birthstone for those born in February as well as the gem for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
Properties
Rated 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness
01Hardness & Strength
Amethyst is an attractive gemstone with a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively hard. Its durability causes it to be a popular choice for both simple and ornate jewelry, including rings. However, proper safety measures must be taken to avoid scratches or any other kind of damage.
02Treatment
Since the beginning, amethyst stones have been heat treated to mainly enhance their color and improve the clarity. Most of them available in the market today are synthetically enhanced to achieve darker shades, since those are more popular than a light-colored amethyst. Heating this gemstone in a controlled environment at a temperature ranging from 400 to 500 degrees Celsius can intensify its hue and transform it into a royal purple shade. This is a widely used treatment and its effects are permanent.
The 4C’s
Once exclusive only to the royals, the amethyst has now become a popular gemstone due to the ease of availability. Its value primarily depends on the color, along with a few other factors that are mentioned below:
- Color
- Carat
- Clarity
- Cuts
01Color
- The amethyst is known for its captivating purple brilliance.
- It is available in a variety of colors (ranging from pale lilac to deep reddish purple); however this gemstone in a dark color is considered more valuable.
- Some of the finest amethyst stones display a deep reddish-purple or purple hue. No visible color zoning also greatly adds to its worth.
02Carat
- The abundant availability of amethysts in large sizes ensures its value is not dependent on the carat weight. Rather, it is the color that majorly influences the stone's worth.
03Clarity
- Most of the faceted amethyst gemstones available today are free from eye-visible inclusions, however there are exceptions.
- In the case of a high-quality amethyst with a rich color, minor inclusions are often overlooked.
- The expensive versions of this gem radiate exceptional clarity, while light or pastel colored amethyst stones with visible inclusions are relatively easy on the pocket.
04Cuts
- An amethyst is often cut into a variety of shapes with pear, emerald-cut, square, trillion, cabochon, round, oval, cushion, and heart being the most common.
- This gemstone is also cut into an assortment of free-hand shapes that are achieved with the help of automated cutting or by hand.
- Amethyst stones in these designer cuts make for one-of-a-kind pieces that are very expensive.
Quality & Grading
Even though there is currently no standardized grading system for an amethyst, it can be classified into the following categories of quality based on its various characteristics.
| Gem Quality | Color | Clarity | Brilliance | Rareness | Shop Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heirloom (AAAA) |  Dark Purple | Eye Clean | Very High | Top 1% |
Prong-Set Amethyst Teardrop V-Bale Pendant with Diamond$1,646 |
| Best (AAA) |  Medium Dark Purple | Eye Clean | High | Top 10% |
Classic Amethyst Linear Tennis Bracelet$557 |
| Better (AA) |  Medium Purple | Slightly Included | Medium | Top 33% |
Classic Round Amethyst and Diamond Three Stone Ring$1,736 |
| Good (A) |  Light Purple | Slightly Included | Low | Top 75% |
V-Bale Pear-Shaped Amethyst Solitaire Pendant$467 |
Care Instructions
The mesmerizing amethyst is a fairly hard stone and to a large extent is perfect for daily wear. However, there are a few things one needs to keep in mind to maintain its luster.
FAQs
1. Are there any symbolic meanings associated with amethyst?
Amethyst is the February birthstone and it symbolizes tranquility and spirituality. It is believed to be closely associated with royalty, healing and calmness.
2. Are amethysts rare?
Not really. Amethyst is not a very rare gemstone, as it's abundant and found in various locations. However, deep purple amethysts with minimal inclusions are relatively rare.
3. Are amethysts expensive?
Amethysts are relatively affordable compared to emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. However, some high-quality amethysts with minimal inclusions, such as the Siberian amethyst and ametrine, are more expensive due to their scarcity.
4. Is amethyst durable?
With a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is fairly durable, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, it’s prone to chipping and abrasions, so it is important to handle amethyst with proper care.
5. How are amethyst formed?
Amethyst is a variety of the quartz mineral. They are formed in volcanic rocks from silica-rich liquids that crystallize and cool over time. Their beautiful purple hue comes from iron impurities in the crystal structure.
Latest Pick from Amethyst Jewelry
- Amethyst and Diamond Twisted Vine Ring$2,269
- Classic Cushion Amethyst Solitaire Ring with Hidden Accents$1,719
- Solitaire Oval Amethyst Criss Cross Ring with Diamonds$2,379
- Solitaire Oval Amethyst Split Shank Ring with Trio Diamonds$1,089
- Solitaire Amethyst Infinity Knot Ring$1,379
- Half Eternity Seven Stone Amethyst and Diamond Wedding Ring$1,289
- Vintage Style Cushion Amethyst Solitaire Ring$1,099
- Classic Round Amethyst and Diamond Three Stone Ring$1,259
- Prong-Set Cushion Amethyst Solitaire Ring$1,409
- Round Amethyst Halo Ring with Diamond Accents$1,369
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