McCaskill & Company we love gemstones - it is such a vast and colorful world when you talk about gemstones. Stop in and check out our selection of gemstones but in this article we will focus on Amethyst. Come see the designers who create gorgeous fine jewelry from designers like Konstantino, Marco Bicego, Kimberly Collins, Erica Courtney, Gurhan, OMI Prive, and so many more.
Amethyst has been desired through history. In ancient times it was believed to be a deterrent from intoxication; it has adorned royalty and is the birthstone for February. Amethyst is a variety of the gem species quartz. Quartz is the most prevalent mineral on the Earth's continents and comes in many colors, some more rare and south after than others.
Purple, the Color of Royalty
Amethyst is known for its rich, royal purple color. It can range from light pinkish lavender to deep purple. Flashes of reddish purple are often visible with higher saturated, faceted amethyst, which provides an interesting dimension to the color. The reddish flashes result from pleochroism - different colors are visible when viewing the crystal from different directions. Amethyst is dichroic (two colors of pleochroism) with purple and reddish purple. Amethyst's color is primarily a result of the trace element iron and can be caused by a displacement or substitution in the crystal lattice potentially caused by natural irradiation.
Color zoning can be common in amethyst. Usually, the color zoning is transparent or whitish and occurs in the pattern of the crystal growth. Typically, this color zoning is not desired for faceted amethyst that is used for jewelry unless it is part of the design.
Amethyst is usually faceted for jewelry and can be found in many shapes. It can be carved, fashioned into cabochons, or made into beads. Carvings, cabochons, and beads can take advantage of color zoning or lower clarity in amethyst. The hardness of amethyst (7.0 on the Mohs scale) makes it suitable for wear and setting in more jewelry.
What's in an Amethyst?
amethyst 'Zebra Stripes' inclusion photo by Pat Daly
Without magnification, amethyst may have high clarity and appear free from inclusions. As a result, these specimens are the most valuable and sought-after for use in jewelry. However, inclusions and other clarity characteristics are common with natural gems. Sometimes inclusions can be quite interesting and indicate that the gem is natural.
Amethyst can display two or three-phase inclusions. Two-phase inclusions consist of liquid and gas, liquid and solid, or gas and solid. Three-phase inclusions consist of liquid, solid, and gas. Sometimes, with two and three-phase inclusions, movement of the gas bubble and/or the solid inclusion in the liquid can be observed with magnification.
Other common characteristics are fingerprint-like inclusions. Sometimes these can be patterned and are referred to as "zebra stripes" because of their appearance. Additionally, solid crystal inclusions or included needles can be present.
Where Does Amethyst Come From?
Because quartz is such a common mineral, it can be found worldwide. The conditions needed to create high-quality color in amethyst increase its rarity. Major sources for mining include Brazil, Zambia, and Madagascar. Before the discoveries of amethyst in Brazil, it was much rarer. In the United States, amethyst can be found in Arizona and Colorado, with lesser occurrences in other states.
Amethyst can be synthetically grown and is often head treated to improve its color. Synthetic amethyst may be detected by observing the inclusions, however, it is often inclusion free and may require laboratory testing to detect.
You may love amethyst because of its color, it is you birthstone, or you believe in the lore of its anti-intoxication properties. Whatever the preference, its color is timeless and always makes a statement!
