Specimen at a glance
| Mineral | Quartz (var. amethyst) |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | SiO2 |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Locality | Brandberg, Namibia |
| You receive | The exact specimen pictured |
About this specimen
Natural amethyst crystal from the Brandberg Mountain area, Namibia. Lot #78 from our most recent sourcing batch. Rich purple color with well-formed termination(s), hand-selected and catalogued directly from the source lot card.
Amethyst: the science
- Take away either ingredient, the iron or the radiation, and the crystal stays colorless. Both are needed for purple.
- Amethyst’s color is heat-sensitive. At roughly 400 to 500 °C it turns yellow or orange, which is how most commercial citrine is made.
- Long exposure to strong sunlight can slowly fade amethyst, so collectors keep their best pieces out of the window.
Go deeper
Want the full story on amethyst: how it forms, how to identify it, and what makes a great specimen?
Questions about this piece
What is amethyst?
Amethyst is purple quartz. Its color comes from trace iron in the crystal combined with natural radiation from the surrounding rock.
Where was it found?
This piece comes from Brandberg, Namibia. We list a locality whenever it is known, because where a mineral formed is part of its story and its value.
How hard is it, and how should I care for it?
It rates 7 on the Mohs scale. Mohs 7. Display away from direct sunlight to protect the color. Rinse in lukewarm water and air dry, and avoid heat.
Is this the exact piece I will receive?
Yes. This listing was photographed individually, and you receive the exact piece shown in the photos.
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