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Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz.

Fine amethysts have traditionally been set in religious jewellery and royal crown jewels. Throughout history, the gemstone has also been associated with mystical powers, and is supposed to convey strength and wit to those who wear it.

Over the centuries Amethyst has become more available and affordable making it one of the world’s most popular coloured gemstones and the most commercially important gem-quality quartz variety

Quality factors of Amethyst

Colour

Amethyst’s purple colour can range from a light lilac to a deep, intense royal purple and from brownish to vivid.

Amethyst also commonly shows what is called colour zoning, which in the case of amethyst usually consists of angular zones of darker to lighter colour.

The finest hue is a strong reddish purple or purple with no visible colour zoning. Dealers prefer strongly saturated reddish purple to dark purple, as long as the stone is not so dark that it reduces brightness.

Clarity

Much of the faceted amethyst in the market is eye-clean, meaning it lacks eye-visible inclusions.

Cut

Amethyst is cut into a variety of standard shapes and cutting styles. These include rounds, ovals, pear shapes, emerald cuts, triangular shapes, marquises, cushions, and others.

Amethyst is also a very popular gem for cutting into a variety of freeform shapes. This is done by hand or by automated cutting.

Other types of cuts and carvings are also found, including carvings of animals and other objects.

Carat Weight

Amethyst is available in all size ranges for setting into a variety of jewellery styles. It’s popular as a large centre stone since the price per carat does not rise dramatically with larger size.

Treatments

Heating can remove unwanted brownish inclusions in some amethysts or lighten the colour of overly dark stones.

Information courtesy of GIA

Quick Facts

Chemical Composition: SiO2 - Silicon dioxide
Refractive Index: 1.54 – 1.56
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Mohs Hardness: 7.00

Send AnchorCert Gem Lab Your Gemstones For Testing!

Gem Identification from AnchorCert Gem Lab is available for all gemstones. A stone will be assessed visually by qualified gemmologists and also tested for the basics such as its refractive index and specific gravity to help identify the material. Gemmologists have the knowledge and experience to detect the telltale signs of imitations and treatments giving you complete reassurance.

To find out more about Gem Identification from AnchorCert you can visit the website www.anchorcert.co.uk or get in touch with the team today 0121 236 2122 - gem@theassayoffice.co.uk