Amethyst, derived from Greek, means “not easily broken” and is chemically composed of SiO2.
Triangular crystal system, the crystal is in the shape of hexagonal columns, with horizontal stripes on the column surface, left and right shapes, and twin crystals are very common. Hardness 7. Crystals often contain irregular or feather shaped gas-liquid two-phase inclusions. Because some Si4+in the lattice is replaced by Fe3+, and under the influence of irradiation, [FeO4] color centers are formed, causing the crystal to appear purple. Transparent, with obvious multi-color characteristics when observed under a dichroic mirror.
physical property
The color of amethyst is caused by the mixing of iron elements and exposure to gamma rays. The [FeO4] color center formed by Fe3+replacing Si4+undergoes charge transfer between Fe and O; But when heated to 300-400 ℃, the purple color fades and turns into yellow brown or brown. [2] Amethyst in China represents the Five Elements of Fire and the purification of the Xiluan Formation. Artificially synthesized amethyst, with uniform color and no gas-liquid inclusions; The color distribution of natural amethyst is uneven, with irregular patchy distribution and often containing gas-liquid inclusions. Amethyst is mainly formed in hydrothermal veins under lower temperature and pressure conditions.
Place of Origin
Purple crystal is widely distributed around the world, with the following regions being the main production areas.
Uruguay
The amethyst produced in Uruguay has always been the highest level of purple color among amethysts. This purple color is very deep and delicate, with a wine red “firelight”. Approaching discontinuation, it is a must-have item in high-end jewelry stores around the world.
the republic of korea
The color is also very dark, but the main tone is somewhat “blue purple”. This is also a very delicate and pleasing color. Unfortunately, the output is also decreasing.
Zambia
Zambian amethyst usually has small particles and low clarity, but its color tone is peculiar, with a beautiful red tone in the purple color. Even when worn from a distance, it will not turn black, so its value is high, but unfortunately its production is not large.
Brazil
Brazilian amethyst has the highest production, and generally speaking, its color is not of the highest grade. Most of the colors are not too light, with a slight black tone and a darker purple tone, but occasionally you will find beautiful and vibrant products. The vast majority of amethyst products on the market come from Brazil.
China
The origin of Amethyst in China can be classified as follows: Shanxi Amethyst has a hundred years of mining history, mainly distributed in Mount Wutai, Hengshan Mountain, Yanbei Mountain and Luliang Mountain. In Xinghe County, Inner Mongolia, quartz veins in granite pegmatite veins produce crystals, mainly consisting of smoky crystals and a very small amount of amethyst; Moreover, Alaben and Guyang counties in Qianqi, Bayannur League also produce amethyst. The production area of Xinjiang amethyst is located on the edge of the Tarim Platform, and amethyst is mainly produced in granite and hydrothermal quartz veins. And Yunnan’s amethysts are distributed in Shigu, the southern section of Ailao Mountain, central Yunnan, as well as Lijiang, Fengke, Mashidi, Honghe, Mulonghe Baxin, Bimiao, Yuanyang Luojiazhai and other places. The crystals are large and of good quality. The production areas of amethyst in Henan are mainly distributed in Nanyang region, with small amounts also produced in Xinyang and Zhumadian. In Shandong, the main production area of amethyst is Dashuichang in Mazhan Township, Yishui.
Mythical legends
Amethyst means “not drunk” in ancient Greek, and in French medieval poetry, the god of wine Bacchus used wine to pour crystals, giving birth to this instantly enamored purple.
Amethyst, also known as “Amethystos”, means “not drunk”. Some say that the crystal irrigated by wine used by the god of wine was originally transformed by a young girl. Some European royal families believe that Amethyst contains mysterious powers that help the wearer gain status and power.
