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Buying guide

Amethyst

Value sits almost entirely in colour. Deep Siberian purple with red flashes leads; pale or zoned material is abundant and inexpensive. Size adds little premium because large clean amethyst is common.

Amethyst at a glance

Mineral family
Quartz
Chemical formula
SiO2
Mohs hardness
7
Refractive index
1.544 - 1.553
Specific gravity
2.65
Crystal system
Trigonal
Colours
purple, green
Birthstone month
February
Anniversary
6th
Typical treatment
Usually untreated. Heating amethyst produces citrine and prasiolite (green amethyst), and this is disclosed as treated material.
In stock now
9 stones from $77.50

What drives the price

Value sits almost entirely in colour. Deep Siberian purple with red flashes leads; pale or zoned material is abundant and inexpensive. Size adds little premium because large clean amethyst is common.

In one line: Colour depth and evenness, absence of zoning.

Treatment

Usually untreated. Heating amethyst produces citrine and prasiolite (green amethyst), and this is disclosed as treated material.

Any seller unwilling to state treatment in writing is telling you something. Every listing on this site states it.

Durability and daily wear

Durable and easy. Warm soapy water. Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade deep purple over years.

Mohs 7, trigonal crystal system, specific gravity 2.65.

Tradition and meaning

The classic stone of calm, sobriety and spiritual clarity. Used at the third eye and crown for meditation and sleep.

Birthstone for February. Associated with Pisces and Aquarius. Anniversary stone: 6th.

Frequently asked

What is green amethyst?

Green amethyst, correctly called prasiolite, is amethyst that has been heat treated to a soft leek-green. Natural prasiolite exists but is extremely rare, so nearly all material on the market is treated and should be sold as such.

Does amethyst fade?

Deeply coloured amethyst can fade with years of intense sunlight exposure. Ordinary wear and indoor light pose no risk. Store display pieces out of a sunny window.

Why is amethyst so affordable?

Enormous deposits in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia supply the market with high-quality material in large sizes. Scarcity, not beauty, sets gem prices, and amethyst is simply not scarce.

Amethyst in stock

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