Natural Amethyst: Complete Guide for Trade, Jewelry, and Collections
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about natural rubies, for trade partners, jewelers, and collectors alike.
Overview
Natural Amethyst, a variety of quartz, is celebrated for its vibrant purple color, which can range from light lavender to deep violet. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, Amethyst is durable and suitable for various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings. Often associated with tranquility and balance, Amethyst has a strong presence in both the fashion and fine jewelry markets. Its affordability and widespread availability have made it a popular choice among consumers and collectors alike. Understanding its properties, sources, and market dynamics is essential for anyone involved in its trade or collection.
Physical Properties and Specifications
Chemical Composition: SiO₂ (silicon dioxide)
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Refractive Index: 1.544 - 1.553
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Pleochroism: Absent
Fluorescence: Generally inert
Cleavage/Fracture: Conchoidal fracture
Color and Quality Classifications
Available Color Ranges
Primary hues: Purple
Secondary modifications: Light lavender, mauve, and violet
Tone and saturation ranges: Light to dark tones with vivid saturation
Premium colors: Deep violet and rich purple
Commercial grades: Light shades and less saturated colors
Clarity Characteristics
Typical inclusion types: Liquid inclusions, gas bubbles, and color zoning
Clarity grading standards: Eye-clean to included
Source-specific features: Unique inclusions that may indicate origin
Eye-clean criteria: No visible inclusions to the naked eye
Source Locations and Material
Historic sources
Brazil, Uruguay, and Egypt
Current production
Significant production is currently from Brazil, Uruguay, and Madagascar.
Source-specific characteristics
Each location imparts distinct characteristics in color and clarity.
Production trends
Increasing demand for Amethyst has led to rising prices, especially for high-quality specimens.