Amethyst

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and one of the world’s most recognisable gemstones. Its colour can range from delicate lilac and soft lavender to deep violet, sometimes displaying bands or zones of different shades within the same crystal. These natural variations mean that every specimen has its own distinctive appearance. Like other varieties of quartz, amethyst is composed of silicon dioxide. Its purple colour develops when small amounts of iron within the crystal structure interact with natural irradiation over geological time. Amethyst commonly forms inside cavities, mineral veins and volcanic rocks, where individual crystals can grow together to create sparkling clusters and impressive geodes. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is relatively durable and has been used in jewellery, decorative objects and collections for thousands of years. Important deposits are found in several countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Namibia and Madagascar, with each location producing crystals that may differ in colour, clarity, crystal shape and overall character. Amethyst also has a rich place in folklore and human history. Its name comes from the Ancient Greek word *amethystos*, meaning “not intoxicated”, reflecting an old belief that it could protect its owner from drunkenness. Today, it remains popular for its beautiful colour, fascinating natural formation and the remarkable variety found from one specimen to another.