Malaysia

0.4kg

Amethysts forms in long, prismatic crystals in geodes or hollow rocks. These geodes form when there are cavities in volcanic rock. As the rock cools, the mineral-saturated water, gases and volcanic material distil and crystallize. When these crystals harden, they form amethyst. Although generally more of a deeper purple, the stone can also have a reddish-purple tinge, or a very pale purple tinge that fades into a lilac.

Natural amethyst has been used for personal adornment for at least 2000 years, while synthetic version is far newer, and not as common.

As the member of the quartz family characterised by their distinctive purple colour, amethyst has a hardness of seven on the Mohs scale. Amethyst gems are durable, and this makes them ideal for all kinds of jewellery. You’ll often find amethyst in earrings, pendants, bracelets, and rings and it’s even cut to create bracelet cuffs or beads too.

Due to its hardness and durability, the stone can be cut into a variety of shapes, making it all the more versatile. Faceted pieces, beds and cabochons are just a few of the more common cuts.