Quartz (macrocrystalline)
Amethyst
Amethyst is ordinary quartz whose violet colour comes from traces of iron in the crystal structure, altered by natural irradiation. The colour grows in bands as the crystal forms, which is why one end of a cut bead is often stronger than the other.
- Mineral family
Quartz (macrocrystalline)
- Typical colours
Pale lilac through to deep violet, often unevenly distributed
- Hardness (Mohs)
7
- Luster
Vitreous
- Texture
Glassy and cool to hold, clear enough to see light through, with colour that deepens and fades across a single bead.
Caring for it
Hard enough for daily wear but the colour can fade with prolonged strong sunlight and with heat, so do not leave it on a sunny windowsill. Rinse in cool water, dry with a soft cloth, and keep it away from bleach and solvents.
