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Click on the letter to find descriptions and pictures of Rocks, gems, and minerals
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
AMETHYST
Amethyst is an impressive variety of quartz which naturally occurs in crystal form. These transparent prismatic crystals can be found in clusters as an incrustation (or druse) in a nodular stone, commonly known as a geode. Physically it is much like quartz in it's transparency and luster but amethyst is unique in color. Ranging in shades of purple from pale lavender/lilac to a deep intense purple, amethyst is the most valuable form of quartz. In jewelry, the deepest most dense variations of Amethyst that maintain their transparency are considered the most precious. Amethyst deposits can also be found in other countries around the world such as: Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Africa, Argentina, Madagascar, U.S., Europe, India and Sri Lanka.
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Amethyst | |
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), | |
Index of refraction: 1.5-1.6 | |
Mohs' Scale Hardness: 7 | |
Fracture: Conchoidal | |
Specific Gravity: 6.5 | |
Crystal System: Tetrahedral | |
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