Description
Natural amethyst, a variety of quartz, is celebrated for its vibrant purple color, which can range from light lavender to deep violet. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is durable and suitable for various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings. Often associated with tranquility and balance, amethyst has a strong presence in both the fashion and fine jewelry markets. Its affordability and widespread availability have made it a popular choice among consumers and collectors alike. Understanding its properties, sources, and market dynamics is essential for anyone involved in its trade or collection.
Physical Properties and Specifications
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Chemical Composition: SiO₂ (silicon dioxide)
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Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
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Crystal System: Hexagonal
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Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
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Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Pleochroism: Absent
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Fluorescence: Generally inert
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Cleavage/Fracture: Conchoidal fracture
Color and Quality Classifications
Available Color Ranges
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Primary hues: Purple
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Secondary modifications: Light lavender, mauve, and violet
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Tone and saturation ranges: Light to dark tones with vivid saturation
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Premium colors: Deep violet and rich purple
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Commercial grades: Light shades and less saturated colors
Clarity Characteristics
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Typical inclusion types: Liquid inclusions, gas bubbles, and color zoning
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Clarity grading standards: Eye-clean to included
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Source-specific features: Unique inclusions that may indicate origin
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Eye-clean criteria: No visible inclusions to the naked eye
Source Locations and Material
Historic sources
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Brazil, Uruguay, and Egypt
Current production
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Significant production is currently from Brazil, Uruguay, and Madagascar.
Source-specific characteristics
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Each location imparts distinct characteristics in color and clarity.
Production trends
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Increasing demand for amethyst has led to rising prices, especially for high-quality specimens.
