Amethyst
The most popular purple gemstone — once valued alongside diamonds.
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, colored by iron impurities and irradiation within the crystal lattice. Until the 19th century, amethyst was classified alongside diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald as a 'cardinal gem.' The discovery of massive deposits in Brazil brought prices down dramatically, but fine deep-purple amethyst remains a cornerstone of the colored gemstone market. Its affordability, wide availability in large sizes, and attractive color make it one of the most commercially important semi-precious stones. The finest material comes from Zambia, producing deeply saturated stones with red flashes.
Physical Properties
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.544–1.553 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.65 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
Color Varieties
Major Sources
Brazil · Zambia · Uruguay · Madagascar · South Korea · Russia (Siberian, historical)
Pricing Factors
Color Saturation
Deep, saturated purple with red flashes ('Siberian' quality) commands the highest prices. Medium purple is standard. Pale lavender is the most affordable.
Size
Amethyst is available in very large sizes at reasonable prices. Color quality matters more than carat weight for pricing.
Origin
Zambian amethyst is generally more valued than Brazilian for its deeper color. 'Siberian' amethyst (now a color grade, not necessarily from Siberia) is premium.
Clarity
Eye-clean is expected. Amethyst is a Type I gem — clean material is the norm, not the exception.
Care Instructions
Do
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush
- Store away from direct sunlight
- Safe for everyday wear in most jewelry types
Don't
- Don't expose to prolonged direct sunlight — UV can cause color fading over time
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
- Don't use steam cleaners
Cleaning Method
Warm soapy water and soft brush. Ultrasonic is generally safe. Avoid steam and prolonged heat exposure.
Insider Buying Tips
Focus on color, not size — you can get large, gorgeous amethysts for a fraction of what other purple stones cost.
Zambian amethyst with red flashes is the best value in the purple gemstone market.
Ametrine (natural bi-color amethyst/citrine) from Bolivia makes a unique and affordable collector's stone.
Avoid heat-treated amethyst sold as 'citrine' or 'heated citrine' — natural citrine is much rarer.
For statement pieces, amethyst geodes and clusters are available at accessible prices and make stunning display items.
Did You Know?
The name comes from the Greek 'amethystos,' meaning 'not intoxicated' — ancient Greeks believed it prevented drunkenness.
Before the discovery of Brazilian deposits, amethyst was as rare and expensive as ruby.
Heating amethyst to 400–500°C turns it yellow-orange (citrine) or green (prasiolite).
Related Resources
Related Gemstones
Garnet
A family of gems spanning every color — not just the deep reds.
Spinel
The great imposter — historically mistaken for ruby and sapphire, now prized in its own right.
Tanzanite
Found in only one place on earth — a violet-blue stone rarer than diamond.
Tourmaline
The rainbow gem — no other mineral occurs in as many colors.