What is Amethyst Used For?

Amethyst, a stunning purple variety of quartz, has been admired and utilized by human civilizations for thousands of years, not only for its captivating aesthetic but also for its practical uses.

Some people attribute healing properties to amethyst, but instead, let's focus on the tangible, widely acknowledged uses of amethyst in various fields.

First off, let's start with some basic attributes!

• Color: Primarily purple, with variations including pink, greenish, and even black.
• Hardness on the Mohs Scale: 7.
• Crystal Structure: Hexagonal.
• Unearthed Shape: Typically found in geodes.
• Time to Form: Millions of years.

Top 3 Most Common Uses:

Jewelry and Ornamentation

One of the most common uses of amethyst is in jewelry making. Due to its striking purple hue, ranging from light lavender to deep violet, amethyst has been a favorite among jewelers and gemstone enthusiasts. It is often cut into various shapes and sizes for use in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Its hardness, which measures 7 on the Mohs scale, makes it durable enough for everyday wear while retaining a lustrous sheen.

Artistic and Decorative Applications

Amethyst has been historically used in artistic and decorative contexts. From the adornments in ancient Egyptian tombs to the British Crown Jewels, amethyst has found its place in various artifacts and luxury items. It is not uncommon to find amethyst inlaid in silver or gold in antique collections, signifying wealth and status. Additionally, large amethyst geodes and crystals are often displayed as striking home decor pieces, catching the eye with their natural beauty.

Technological and Scientific Use

In the realm of technology, amethyst's properties have had specific applications. For instance, due to its piezoelectric properties (like other quartz varieties), it has been used in pressure-sensitive devices. However, this application is less common now with the advent of more advanced synthetic materials.

How to Tell if Amethyst is Real?

With the prevalence of synthetic gemstones and imitations in the market, distinguishing real amethyst from fakes is crucial for collectors and enthusiasts. Here are some methods to identify genuine amethyst:

Visual Inspection

• Color: Real amethyst displays a range of purple shades. It should show a gradient of color intensity, with some areas possibly being more vibrant than others. Uniform color throughout is often a sign of synthetic or dyed stones.
• Clarity: Natural amethyst can have inclusions or minor imperfections. An entirely flawless stone might indicate a synthetic origin.
• Coolness to the Touch: Genuine amethyst, like all quartz, should feel cool to the touch and retain this coolness for a more extended period compared to glass or plastic imitations.

Physical Tests

• Hardness: Amethyst has a specific hardness level (7 on the Mohs scale). It should be able to scratch materials like copper but should be softer than harder gemstones like diamonds.
• Refractive Index: Professional jewelers often use refractometers to measure a stone's refractive index, which can indicate if the gem is true amethyst or not.

Professional Appraisal

For certainty, it is advisable to have the stone evaluated by a professional gemologist. They have the tools and expertise to authenticate amethyst accurately.

Where is Amethyst From?

Amethyst is found in several regions across the globe including Brazil, Uruguay, Africa, Madagascar, Russia, India, and even the United States - each offering stones with unique characteristics.

Brazil

Brazil is one of the most significant sources of amethyst. Large deposits in the southern states yield vast quantities of this gemstone. Brazilian amethyst is known for its size and range of colors, from pale lilacs to rich, deep purples.

Uruguay

Uruguay produces some of the most intensely colored amethysts in the world. The stones here are often found in geodes and are highly prized for their deep purple hue, often with a blue or red secondary color.

Africa

African countries, particularly Zambia, are known for producing high-quality amethyst with deep purple colors. Unlike the softer hues of Brazilian amethyst, African varieties are celebrated for their vibrant, saturated tones.

Other Locations

Other notable sources include Madagascar, Russia, India, and the United States (Arizona). Each region's amethyst has distinct qualities, such as the size of the crystals, color intensity, and clarity.