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Amethyst

· 1 min read · Materials

Purple amethyst crystals

Amethyst is the violet variety of quartz. Its color runs from pale lilac to deep purple, and it is one of the most popular colored gems for its beauty and price.

Properties #

  • Composition: silicon dioxide (quartz); the color comes from iron and natural radiation.
  • Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale.
  • Color: from light lilac to deep purple.
  • Origins: Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia and Bolivia, among others.
  • Sensitivity: can fade in strong sunlight and heat; heated it turns yellow (citrine)

Uses in jewelry #

  • Rings, pendants and earrings.
  • February jewelry (it is this month's birthstone).
  • Beads for necklaces and bracelets.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

  • Beautiful color and affordable price.
  • Hard enough for regular wear.
  • Widely available.

Limitations #

  • It can lose color in the sun.
  • Some amethysts are synthetic or treated.
  • It can be scratched by harder stones.

Care and cleaning #

  • Clean with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.
  • Avoid intense sunlight and heat.
  • Store it away from hard pieces.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.