Amethyst

Amethyst is a variety of rock quartz known for its soft lavender to royal purple hue. Before vast deposits were discovered in the early 19th century, amethyst was once considered a rare and precious gemstone alongside sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Though more abundant now, amethyst holds a deep cultural significance to many for its beauty and association with spiritual and healing properties. With good clarity and durability, amethyst is widely used in jewellery, from rings and pendants to statement pieces.

Chemical Composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

Crystal System: Trigonal

Refractive Index: 1.544 - 1.553

Specific Gravity: 2.65

Double Refraction: None

Mohs Hardness: 7

Lustre: Vitreous

Amethyst is found worldwide, with significant sources including Brazil, Uruguay, Siberia, Zambia, and the United States. Some of the finest deep purple amethysts come from Uruguay and Zambia, while Brazil produces large, high-quality stones.

Yes, amethyst can be crafted into an engagement ring. Its hardness 7 is strong enough for everyday wear but still susceptible to scratching and abrasion. A protective setting, such as a bezel or diamond halo, is recommended to reduce impact and prolong the gemstone's life. Regular cleaning with sunlight soap and a soft toothbrush and avoiding harsh chemicals will help maintain its brilliance over time.

As with all coloured gemstones, an amethyst's value is determined by its colour, clarity, size, and origin. Deep, highly saturated purple stones with red or blue flashes are the most valuable, while paler or brownish-toned amethysts are less desirable. Large amethyst specimens are relatively common, so the value does not increase exponentially with size unless the stone exhibits exceptional colour and clarity.

Most amethysts are untreated, but some may be heat-treated to enhance their colour. Heat treatment can turn lighter amethysts into deeper shades of purple or even alter them into citrine (yellow quartz). This is a widely accepted practice in the gemstone industry.

The rarest amethyst is from Siberia and is known for its deep purple colour with red and blue flashes. Although initially sourced from the Ural Mountains, similar-quality stones have been found in Zambia and Uruguay. Natural, unheated amethysts with exceptional clarity and intense colour are the most valuable.

Amethyst is both the traditional and modern birthstone for February and has been associated with protection, wisdom, and sobriety. It has been a birthstone for centuries and remains one of the most widely recognised and celebrated gemstones.

Amethyst has long been associated with clarity of mind, spiritual protection, and inner peace. Ancient Greeks believed it prevented drunkenness, while medieval European soldiers wore amulets of amethyst for protection in battle. In modern times, it is linked to calmness, intuition, and emotional balance.

Natural amethyst often contains minor inclusions and zoning in colour, meaning some areas may appear lighter or darker. Synthetic amethyst, created in labs, is identical in chemical composition but typically has a more uniform colour and fewer inclusions. Some glass imitations may also be sold as amethyst. A professional gemologist can verify authenticity through refractive index testing, spectroscopy, and magnification.