Amethyst crystal lattice. Amethyst stone - luxury of color and unique magical properties

Amethyst belongs to the quartz family. In nature, this stone most often has a lilac color - from the palest shade to very rich and dark, almost black. The stone fades when exposed to sunlight, however, amethysts of volcanic origin have a more stable color. The deposits of this gem are quite rich, there are still many natural deposits, so the cost of amethysts is not too high.
The meaning of the name from the Greek language is "non-drunk". It is believed that amethyst crystals are able to protect a person from drunkenness and other excesses, and stones that have already drunk people are saved from intoxication. The mineral seems to absorb the vapors of wine, while the color itself is similar to grape juice and wine.

Very rich stone deposits are found in Brazil, Brazilian stones are among the most popular in the world. Ural gems are famous for their rich color. There are deposits in Uruguay and the United States, Namibia. Slightly smaller quantities of stone are mined in India, Burma and Madagascar.

Where is it used?

The value of the stone is hard to overestimate - it is one of the most valuable varieties of quartz. This mineral has a very beautiful color, amethyst crystals are perfectly shaped and grow in the form of geodes (sometimes just huge) and small clusters. The stone is sometimes found in vitreous masses, and after proper processing and polishing, it turns into a piece of jewelry. The stone owes its unusual lilac color to the impurities of iron and manganese. The more of these minerals in the composition, the richer the color. In this case, the shade can vary from cold bluish to reddish.
The mineral, which is so rich in natural deposits, is found both in a transparent and opaque form. Clear crystals are especially prized by jewelers, they are rare and ideal for cutting. Opaque stones are often polished, they are used to make beads. Some examples, polished or in the form of druze, are of greater value to collectors.

Amethyst - stone, which is very popular among crystals and is affordable. Mother nature generously endowed people with a variety of types and forms of this beautiful mineral.

The most expensive deep violet amethyst

One of the most common types of amethyst is a clutch of crystals or a geode, as well as a natural stone. The deeper the color of an amethyst, the more expensive it is.

Amethyst crystals can be seen in esoteric and gift shops. There are also many jewelry with this stone.

What are the energy and healing properties of amethyst, where is it mined, and how can it be used in Feng Shui practice?

Features of amethyst

The color of the crystal, which can vary from pink to purple, indigo and violet, speaks of the strong healing properties of the crystal.

Amethyst cleanses any space of negative vibrations, radiating high quality energy, and creates an atmosphere where there is a desire to return again and again, as to a source of personal strength.

It calms and cools unnecessary emotions, facilitates the transition to more consciousness, ridding the mind of unnecessary thoughts.


Amethyst helps in meditation

At the physical level, amethyst strengthens the immune system, has a healing effect on the skin and respiratory organs.

The ancient Greeks believed that the mineral protects the body from the effects of alcohol, and in Greek means "a stone that protects its owner from intoxication."

Where is amethyst mined?

Most stones are brought from Uruguay and Brazil. The mineral is also mined in Canada, the USA and South Korea. Amethyst of the highest quality is mined in Russia.

How to use amethyst in feng shui practice?

In Feng Shui practice, amethyst is used to purify space, and the Mineral elevates thoughts, helps and brings a person to high levels of consciousness.

If quarrels often occur in the house, amethyst will help cool the ardor and teach the household to understand each other.


The bonding of the crystals and the amethyst geode improve the feng shui of the home very effectively

Amethyst - stone and medicine of the Bagua sectors northeast (Development and Personal Growth), southeast (Wealth and Abundance), south (Inner Light, Reputation and Glory).

The amethyst crystal can be placed on the child's desk and in the living room. If you are going through a very emotional period in your life, you can wear cool amethyst jewelry, put the crystal in your pocket or in your car.

What is the best crystal?

The highest quality amethyst crystals have deep and rich indigo hues. If "clouds" and patterns are visible in the thickness of the crystal, it is also very effective.


The deep purple color of amethyst resonates with the higher chakras or energy centers – the third eye and crown chakra. Therefore, amethyst is used for meditation and the opening of blocks that hinder the receipt of higher knowledge.

The shape of the crystal should be chosen depending on your needs. Natural amethyst crystals are inexpensive. They can be put in a pocket, purse or as an interior decoration in a bowl.

Buy this mineral can be found in our gift shop in the section

is a colored variety of quartz (SiO 2 ) - silicon oxide. It is in the greatest demand among the stones of the quartz group.

Trigonal syngony

Form of finding: large hexagonal columnar crystals with a pyramidal top, both separate and forming twins (double crystals), druses, geodes, brushes and crystalline masses. On the faces of crystals, hatching is often observed, associated with the conditions and features of growth.

Color

From pale lilac to deep purple. The color of amethyst is very varied in shades and varies from almost colorless pale purple, pink-bluish-violet, bluish-violet to purple, dark purple, to lavender-blue, sometimes to almost black. There are also violet-smoky zone-colored amethysts. The distribution of color is usually uneven, zoning of color is characteristic, sometimes pronounced: intensely colored zones are parallel to the faces of rhombohedrons or distributed in spots along the growth pyramids in the crystal. The most intense color is usually concentrated at the very tip of the top. There is weak pleochroism in brownish-violet tones and weak luminescence in greenish tones. The lilac color is due to the structural impurity of iron Fe 3 + in combination with exposure to hard radiation.

Special properties - by firing at temperatures of 300-750 ° C, it changes color and turns into citrine (a yellow variety of quartz), acquires red-brown and green colors. This is how citrine geodes are produced, even single crystals of which are rare in nature. With a longer or stronger temperature exposure, amethyst is able to completely discolor. There are amethysts that gradually fade in daylight (under the influence of ultraviolet rays), but the rate of discoloration of naturally colored samples is negligible. X-ray treatment can restore the original color. Jewelers, always interested in raw materials of a better, more intense color, often try to artificially induce a thickening of the amethyst color. Previously, in the Urals, crystals were first boiled for a long time (it was not without reason that amethyst was called “dumpling” here), then they were cooled, lowered into a container with water and taken out into the cold. In some amethysts, the color "flowed" into the sharp tip of the crystal, saturating it with color. It was cut out for cutting. The mineral, to one degree or another, has an "alexandrite effect" - the ability to slightly change color in shades when the spectral composition of lighting changes - artificial, daytime or evening. Under artificial lighting, amethysts are often unattractive. There are also amethysts that do not change color or take on a bloody hue, but they are rare.

Mohs hardness 7. Specific gravity (density) 2.65. The fracture is conchoidal, the luster on the edges is glassy, ​​on the fracture it is greasy. The mineral is transparent. Cleavage in this mineral, like in other stones of the quartz group, is absent. Fluorescence is weak, greenish.

Varieties

Ametrine - a stone that has in places an amethyst, and in places a yellow, citrine color. Amethyst quartz is an amethyst formation of purple, with white stripes, color. The bands are due to banded inclusions of milky quartz. Occurs with amethyst and is used to make beads, cabochons, "baroque stones" and handicrafts.

Prasiolite - the name of this onion-green quartz comes from the Greek. "onion" and "stone". In nature, prasiolite is very rare (India, Russia, Zimbabwe, South Africa). Mostly it is a thermally processed amethyst or citrine from the Montezuma deposit (Brazil, Minas Gerais), and more recently also from Arizona (USA). Amethysts and citrines from these deposits acquire a beautiful green color when heated to 300-500°C. The color fades strongly under the influence of sunlight. Prasiolite crystals are transparent and can be mistaken for other gemstones.

Friends and geodes. A druse consists of numerous crystals grown on a common substrate, while crystals grown inside a closed cavity form an amethyst geode. Geodes are found as inclusions in a narrow layer of basalt - a hardened lava that formed about 130 million years ago. The theory states that gas bubbles rising to the surface created cavities in the lava when it was still liquid, thus providing room for the amethyst crystals to grow. In the area of ​​the Brazilian deposit, there are about 15 layers of basalt, almost parallel and horizontal, but amethyst geodes are found in only two of them. The most "productive" layer is 2 to 5 meters thick, located at an altitude of 420 meters above sea level. Mining in such a layer also goes in a horizontal direction - with the help of explosives, hydraulics and heavy routine labor. When a geode is found, a small hole is drilled in its shell and the interior is illuminated with a flashlight. If the amethyst looks promising, then the geode is separated from the basalt by hand or with simple tools. This work sometimes takes a whole week. The size of the geodes that are found in nature is very different - ranging from the smallest ones weighing less than a kilogram to huge caves where a person can freely fit. In addition to amethyst, geodes can also contain calcite crystals, sometimes such inclusions increase the value of the geode as a collector's item. Amethyst crystals have their own brilliance and do not need additional polishing, so human intervention is minimal here. It is believed that amethyst druze and geodes enhance and concentrate all the many beneficial properties that amethyst possesses.

origin of name

"Amethyst" comes from the Greek "amethystos" - "free from drunkenness." This name is associated with a charming ancient Greek legend, the heroes of which are the most famous characters of classical mythology - the god of wine Bacchus, the charming goddess of hunting Diana, and also a young nymph named Amethyst. Trying to protect herself from the "perverse" deity Bacchus, Amethyst calls for help from Diana, but she does not find anything better than to turn the frightened girl into a stone, but not into ordinary, but into transparent rock crystal. This turn of events cooled the ardor of Bacchus, and he soon began to regret what he had done. In order to somehow make amends for his guilt, he poured a goblet of red wine on the petrified girl. The colorless statue acquired a wonderful shade of Merlot color, and people received a beautiful variety of quartz, named after the unfortunate nymph.

Origin of the mineral

Amethyst is formed under low temperature hydrothermal conditions. It fills voids (fractures and tonsils) in hydrothermal quartz veins among crystalline (volcanic, metamorphic and sedimentary) rocks, growing on a chalcedony or opal substrate, forming geodes. Crystals always grow on the base. Occurs with quartz, amethyst quartz and other varieties of silica, calcite. Sometimes amethyst crystals include thin crystalline plates of hematite or acicular crystals of goethite. Such amethyst is called "hairy". Liquid and gas-liquid inclusions are common for amethyst crystals, especially for large ones. mineral inclusions of magnetite, goethite, hematite, rutile, and bituminous formations, which can give certain colors, are also not uncommon.

WITH raw

The best grades are cut, while others are polished or handicrafts are made. The best material was named "Siberian", followed by "Uruguay" and "Baya". Stones of intense color are rare and expensive. The raw material is rarely found in pieces large enough to be cut into 40-carat stones. Most of the raw materials are characterized by zonal coloration.

The technical specifications in force in the USSR provided for the division of amethyst into two grades. Grade I includes crystals with a yield of defect-free region from 75 to 100%, and grade II - from 35 to 75%. The mass of the crystals is 1 and 0.5 g, respectively. The smallest size of the crystal face should be 6 mm.

For the manufacture of cabochons, crystals weighing at least 2 g with a color of varying intensity are used, gas-liquid inclusions and cracks are allowed. Amethyst brushes and druze from 6 cm 2 to 1 dm. belong to grade II, and more than 1 dm2 - to grade I. Agate tonsils and geodes with quartz-amethyst execution should have a size of at least 2.5 cm2, colorless quartz should not occupy more than 25% of the entire sample area.

Place of Birth

Until the 18th century the main supplier of amethyst was Fr. Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where it was mined from placers. In the first half of the XVIII century. deposits were discovered in Germany, then in 1768 in the Urals. In the middle of the XIX century. deposits of Brazilian amethysts began to be intensively developed, sometimes of a very beautiful saturated dark purple color (although the Ural ones are traditionally considered the most beautiful). Ceylon amethyst soft purple, Brazilian deep purple and purple. Both of these varieties change their brilliance and play depending on the lighting.

Amethyst deposits are associated with pegmatites, hydrothermal formations and placers.

In Russia, they were known in the Polar Urals (Khasavarka), the Middle Urals (Murzinsky amethyst-bearing region - Vatikha mine - Yekaterinburg region, etc.), where amethysts are associated with granite rocks. In Central Asia (Selbur and others), Yakutia (Obman), in the northeast within the Omolon median massif (Kedon). Amethyst brushes are known in the unique Cape Ship deposit on the coast of the Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea, in Armenia (Ijevan), Azerbaijan (Dashkesan), Eastern Siberia (Angara-Ilim group of deposits). There are also deposits of pale lilac and violet quartz, which is used to make various handicrafts and souvenirs (boxes, caskets, etc.). Despite the large number of deposits, Russian amethysts have practically disappeared from the world market, the deposits are not developed, mothballed or abandoned.

Abroad: amethyst is mined in Brazil (Montezuma, Chiruja, Groto do Cosho, Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, Para) - geodes from volcanic rocks. And also in South Korea, Uruguay, India, Sri Lanka, the USA (the states of Virginia, Arizona (For Peaks), Texas, North Carolina), Canada (Ontario, Nova Scotia), Zimbabwe (Mwakambiko is one of the largest deposits in world), in Madagascar, in Australia, about. Sri Lanka, Zambia, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, etc. The largest amethyst vein is mined in Maissau, Lower Austria.

We list the main deposits with the features of the extracted crystals:

Vera Cruz, Mexico- very light, clean, transparent prismatic crystals, sometimes doubled, grow on a light host rock. Crystals contain phantoms (outlines of growth zoning inside a transparent crystal), in the cores of crystals - transparent quartz, overgrown with amethyst.

Guerrero, Mexico- dark, rich purple prismatic crystals that grow radially from a common growth point. Often the crystals are phantom, but, in contrast to the amethysts from Vera Cruz, these crystals have lilac cores and lighter zones growing on top. These are some of the most valuable amethysts in the world.

Minas Geras and Rio Grande de Sul, Bahaia, Brazil - crystals form geodes (crusts and druses) inside voids in volcanic rocks. Some geodes are formed in place of trees that have been captured by lava flow moving across the surface of the earth. Other geodes are gas voids. Geodes can be very large. The crystals are light shades and intensely colored only at the tips. Grow on gray, white or blue agate, geodes are green on the outside. Often large crystals of calcite grow among amethyst brushes.

Maraba, Brazil- large crystals with unattractive surfaces, from light to medium shades, often split into pieces.

Thunder Bay, Canada- individual red hematite inclusions just below the surface of the crystals are characteristic exclusively for this area. Druse grow in cracks formed in ancient metamorphic rocks.

Uruguay- crystals from medium to dark shades, grow in the tonsils of volcanic rocks of gray or brown color. Usually colored throughout, unlike the Brazilian ones, they grow on multi-colored agate containing yellow, red and orange layers. Often inside the geode are found stalactites covered with amethyst and other unusual formations.

Africa- crystals are large but unattractive, but inside they are clean and transparent, and polished pieces are highly valued on a par with precious stones.

Maine, USA- dark intergrowths of crystals, which are not common today.

North Carolina, USA - intergrowths of crystals with bluish-violet hues.

Pennsylvania, USA - druses and intergrowths filling cracks in metamorphic rocks. Coloration brownish-lilac, spotted.

Colorado, USA - intergrowths of crystals in cracks in limestones, covered from above with a crust of green fluorite. The crystals are dark, saturated, but rather small.

Italy- similar to the Vera Cruz specimens, both poorly formed and large parallel splices with well and evenly distributed color.

Germany- associated with colored agate, forming light-colored crusts.

Ural mountains, Russia - very pure and dark varieties that are used to produce expensive gemstones. Naturally cut crystals are rarely found on the market.

"Cape Ship" on the Kola Peninsula - a unique deposit of its kind is famous for amethyst brushes with an even dark purple color. The first amethysts were found there more than 250 years ago by the monks of the Solovetsky Monastery.

Prices and technologies

Prices for amethysts, like other gemstones, are very volatile. The rather low prices for amethysts at present can probably be explained by the large number of fine synthetic amethysts on the market, which are practically indistinguishable from natural ones by most gemological methods. In this regard, the prices for natural and synthetic amethysts are approximately the same. Depending on the intensity and shade of color, amethyst can also be confused with corundum, spinel, fluorite, kunzite, topaz, etc. It is identified by physical properties, the presence of liquid and gas-liquid inclusions that form “moire (tiger) patterns”, twins, color unevenness.

In recent decades, technology has been mastered (for the first time at the FIAN Institute in Aleksandrov) of artificial cultivation of large (up to 20-30cm) amethyst crystals. They are processed in large quantities, mainly in the form of faceted stones for inserts into jewelry, enter the trade network, and in some cases are passed off as natural. It can be difficult even for a sophisticated connoisseur or specialist to distinguish them from natural ones only in appearance, and their objective cost, of course, is much lower.

When establishing the nature of amethysts, the presence of inclusions, color bands, as well as the nature of the radiation color associated with irradiation, are taken into account. When irradiated, natural amethyst acquires a smoky hue or does not change color. artificial amethyst does not have a vibrant red-purple color, and does not change color during subsequent irradiation. A greenish glow is characteristic of pale-colored artificial amethysts, while darker ones are practically inert. Natural samples of the same color weakly luminesce. In natural amethyst, Fe ions 3 + unevenly distributed in the structure.

Amethyst in history

The name of this stone in translation from ancient Greek means "non-drunk". They say that he is able to protect a person from drunkenness and sober. Synonyms of amethyst: purple agate, amethystus, amephist, dumpling, bishop's stone, Bacchus stone, bishop's stone, lavendin. In the Middle Ages, amethyst was highly valued both in the East and in Europe, where it was considered preferable for decorating church items and priests' clothes. When consecrated to the rank of cardinal, the initiate was given a ring with an amethyst. In ancient Greece and Rome, gems, seals, and small items were cut out of amethyst. In China, bottles and small boxes were cut out of light amethysts. For jewelry, stone began to be widely used in Europe from the 18th century; necklaces, brooches, inserts in rings, earrings, and cufflinks were made from it. Beautifully colored purple-red specimens are highly valued and are used in expensive jewelry in combination with diamonds and emeralds.

Amethyst stone is a luxurious mineral known to mankind since ancient times. It belongs to the generally accepted category, the category of gemstones of the second order, due to its noble color, transparency and variety of shades. For its beauty, luxury and rarity, purple amethyst is generally recognized as a precious stone of the first order.

Interesting! Amethyst is a stone that, according to its composition and properties, belongs to the category of quartz.

History of origin: a perspective into the past

The history of the mineral goes back to ancient times. Scientists' research confirms that amethysts were found in the ancient East and in medieval Europe. In Egypt, they were also noted, and in the ancient state, the stone was considered truly magical properties and considered blessed. In ancient Rome, they were used as ornamental materials that adorned small decorative items. In ancient Greece, they always sincerely believed that the mineral protects the owner from drunkenness, which is why such a name was given to him.

Amethysts owe their name to the Greek language. The name of the mineral literally translates as "non-drunk". There are other more poetic names for the amethyst stone - this is "stone violet", "purple stone nobility", bishop's or apostolic stone.

Interestingly, in ancient China they also heard about amethyst. In ancient manuscripts of the Celestial Empire, it was indicated that the mineral was used to make small bowls and vessels that were used to store aromatic oils. Amethysts were also famous in Rus'. Here he was especially revered by the archbishops, which is why they named them after the clergy. Such a noble material was loved by noble princes, and nobles, and crowned, crowned persons. Therefore, along with the stone, amethyst adorned the crown of Tsarina Irina Godunova.

This is interesting! Only from the XVIII century. Amethyst stone has become a favorite mineral of many jewelry houses, where it was used to produce a variety of jewelry. They were intended not only for noble nobles, but were also offered to everyone who could pay for them.

Amethyst stone properties

Usually the amethyst stone grows on a nondescript gray substrate and resembles an elongated thin scepter. The well-known properties of the amethyst stone are its deep purple hue, which can be light or rich, deep dark. In nature, green amethyst is found, which is also highly valued by jewelers. But black amethyst is a real rarity with a deep opaque color. Much less common is pink amethyst, which is classified as a quartz.

Important! Under the influence of ultraviolet (sunlight) the stone quickly burns out. For every year of exposure to the sun, the material loses about 1% of its color intensity.

Amethysts - stones that are a variety, belong to silica by species, have the formula of all quartz - SiO2. Minerals such as manganese, iron, cobalt can be found as impurities. In nature, it occurs in an oblong, elongated shape, can be translucent. It is the latter that are highly valued by jewelers.

Different shades are explained by the presence of special impurities of cobalt, iron or manganese. Some attribute this to a disturbed structure of the crystal lattice, while others speak of natural dyes-impurities.

Place of Birth

In nature, you can find amethyst stone, the properties of which can change over time, it is found in the form of brushes, druses, crystals. Russia and Asia, Africa and South America are especially rich in deposits. The color, impurities and quality of the stones will differ depending on the depth of the deposit. The highest quality nuggets have been found in Africa, but few have been found. There are many amethysts in Brazil, but the quality is not the best. But the Ural amethyst is recognized as the most valuable, expensive, beautiful - the stone of properties is of the highest order. It is named "deep Siberian" in honor of the deposit.

Healing properties of amethyst stone

Lithotherapists claim that the properties of amethyst stone can be healing. This material is endowed with characteristics and features that will help:

  • forget about skin ailments;
  • relieve stress;
  • strengthen immunity;
  • get rid of depression;
  • forget about insomnia;
  • improve eyesight;
  • forget about the headache;
  • relieve muscle fatigue and fully relax.

It is believed that it is amethyst, which a person carries with him all the time, that can protect against infectious diseases and allow you to prolong youth.

The magical properties of amethyst

  1. Since ancient times, a variety of properties have been attributed to purple amethyst. The property that prevents the development of a hangover syndrome and generally does not allow the owner to sleep has become the main property. It is enough to use purple amethyst to inlay jewelry or as a pendant to overcome cravings for alcohol.
  2. The features and unique capabilities of the stone included the ability to give good spirits to the owner in the morning, replenishment of energy. This stone of blessing and prudence was highly valued by the ministers of the church. Often used to direct one's mind in a certain direction for the subsequent development of a person in a chosen area.
  3. Especially valuable is pink amethyst, which was considered the patron of emotions, feelings, love. It is this beautiful stone of deep color that is recommended to be presented as a gift to the object of your love. Since ancient times, amethysts have been ranked among the stones of peace, blessing, appeasement, they became the key to a long and successful relationship, became a symbol of reconciliation.
  4. Until now, purple and green amethyst is considered a symbol of success in business, it becomes a talisman of business relations and business development. A valuable mineral contributes to the transformation of a person, his inner world, appearance, feelings.

Interesting! Amethyst has always been classified as a very strong magical stone, which was even applied to the forehead to relieve headaches, it is also used in isoteric rituals.

Talismans and amulets

Green, purple or black amethyst is a talisman-protection against extraneous anger, rage and anger. It is also an amulet that saves its owner from drunkenness.

Set in gold, amethyst becomes a symbol of success and balance, both in personal and business affairs. But in combination with silver, amethyst can bring real happiness to the house - often a woman who chooses such jewelry quickly becomes pregnant. Even incorporeal women brought a long-awaited child just such a stone.

To dispel alcohol intoxication and wine vapors, it is recommended to constantly carry such a talisman with you. It is believed that the constant wearing of an amulet, which contains amethysts, not necessarily natural ones, allows you to get rid of addiction, develop willpower and even recover from alcoholism.

amethyst colors

In nature, the most common purple mineral that grows on a gray, nondescript substrate. Found deposits and other types of stones, which are presented in green, purple, pink, black colors.

These are amazing stones of natural origin. For their luxurious delicate shade, they received another name - proselytes. A very rare material has become precious, it is used by jewelers to create single or collectible pieces. To give a special shade, a unique cut is used that amazes the imagination.

The cost of precious and rather rare material is low. This is explained simply - in such a material you can often find needle-like inclusions, which reduce, and significantly, the price of natural material. Some people buy stones with such needle inclusions, because they believe that such an addition makes the mineral piquant, unique, original.

This is the rarest, unique material for which you should choose an exceptionally expensive and valuable frame. This material is more related to quartz, and it can be opaque, with speckled inclusions, which only adds to it a special, unique charm.

Important! Since the pink amethyst stone is quite rare, it is recommended to store it only in an opaque package or in a dark place. In the light, pink amethyst (quartz) quickly loses color, it becomes pale gray. It is the pink shade that is recognized as a symbol of health.

Black amethyst is a real king, which is quite rare in nature. It is created by nature itself, and it spends several million years on its offspring, therefore such a treasure cannot be cheap. This is a truly expensive mineral that requires high-quality, exquisite and expensive cutting.

It is valued not only by jewelers, but also by those people who believe in its magical, healing properties. It is believed that the material is able to deal with stress and eliminate the consequences, the harmful effects of radioactive radiation. Psychics believe that it is amethyst that is able to "open" inner vision - the "third eye".

The pure purple hue has made the stone so valuable and sought after by jewelers. In nature, there are various shades of purple amethyst - from the most delicate lilac to rich, deep and luxurious violet. The main reason for this shade, scientists call inclusions of iron ions.

And this material can also lose depth of hue if kept out in the open. Ultraviolet and even short-term heating will discolor the stone. Only a small fraction of the color will return to the mineral after complete cooling.

How to distinguish a fake?

Technologies make it possible to produce even artificially, let alone amethyst. Non-natural material is significantly inferior to the natural counterpart in the depth of color, indicators of hardness and strength, resistance to temperature fluctuations. To verify the naturalness of the proposed amethyst, a potential buyer is invited to conduct their own mini-test:

  • Check the mineral for inclusions, impurities, defects.
  • Check the uniformity of color and distribution of shades.
  • Artificial material, when immersed in water, will not lose its color at the edges, as it will definitely happen with natural material.

There is another difference - this is the effect of temperature. When heated to 250 degrees, natural stone is able to lose color intensity, but do it evenly. But the artificial material will only partially and fragmentarily lose its color.

artificial amethyst

Mankind successfully synthesizes artificial amethysts, which can be grown in special laboratories with specified color parameters. You can even choose the size of the stone that should be obtained after the procedure. The cost in the jewelry market of artificial amethyst is close to the price of a natural stone.

Amethyst stone - luxury of color and unique magical properties

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