Purple Gem Hue

Amethyst Formation

For enthusiasts of the color purple, amethyst is the most renowned gemstone. Notably, it’s relatively common and considered a good value, plus it’s February’s birthstone. However, its history tells a different story. Before Brazil began producing amethyst, these purple gemstones were rare and costly, nearly as much as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

While increased supply has affected amethyst prices, making it less appealing to investors, it remains a fantastic budget option for gifting yourself or a loved one with a beautiful piece of jewelry. So, what essentials should you know about amethyst and its distinctive color?

A Matter of Chemistry

At its core, amethyst is essentially purple quartz, also known as Silicon Dioxide (SiO2). Some quartz varieties have specific names (like citrine), while others are identified by their color (like rose quartz). This mineral has a hardness rating of 7, making it softer than many other gemstones.

This means amethyst can be used in regularly worn jewelry, but an engagement ring made of purple quartz would need polishing after a few years. While amethyst isn’t a “wrong” choice for such jewelry, it has significant drawbacks compared to traditional sapphire or diamond rings.

How are Amethysts Formed?

Amethysts originate from an originally colorless mineral that acquires its hue when iron is added to the crystal structure. Upon exposure to radiation and heat, the iron transforms the crystal into its signature purple color. Higher levels of iron and radiation result in a darker purple.

However, in some cases, iron placement can create a deeper color with less iron. Thus, specific chemical and geological conditions must be present for amethyst formation.

Occurrence of Amethyst

Amethyst is relatively common and found in small deposits worldwide. However, some larger deposits are commercially viable. Historically, the finest amethyst came from the Alpine regions of Germany and Austria, the Urals and Siberia in Russia, and Afghanistan.

Due to significant deposits in Europe and Central Asia, the stone has been a favorite among European royalty. Over time, most of these deposits have been successfully mined out.

Modern-day Amethyst Mining Deposits

In the 19th century, additional amethyst deposits were discovered in Africa and South America. Brazilian amethysts are renowned for being very clean with few inclusions, although their purple coloration tends to be less saturated. The almost pink Rose de France amethyst is famously found here. Amethysts from neighboring Uruguay boast a rich purple hue, known as Siberian, due to their resemblance to highly colored Siberian stones. Tanzanian and Zambian amethysts tend to be more opaque but also exhibit a rich purple color.

Amethyst Valuation and Treatments

Like most gemstones, amethysts are evaluated based on the 4 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat.

Cut

Quality amethysts should exhibit a nice, uniform cut. Given the stone’s abundance, it’s generally not worth purchasing a poorly cut specimen, often categorized as a grade B gem. Top-tier amethysts, graded AAAA and AAA, showcase superior cutting and uniformity.

Color

Darker is generally better unless the amethyst appears black in low light. The ideal color, known as Siberian purple, originates from where the deepest purple stones were once unearthed. Select amethysts with a uniform color and even tone, minimizing the appearance of any inclusions.

Clarity

Most amethysts are classified as eye clean, indicating minimal inclusions in the faceted stone.

Large fissures diminish the stone’s value. However, color plays such a dominant role in amethyst valuation that a more opaque stone with darker color may fetch higher prices than a cleaner Rose de France. The GIA provides a comprehensive explanation, including an amethyst color chart, for reference.

Carat

Carat weight has a minimal impact on amethyst value. Quartz can form large crystals, often resulting in one large crystal being cut into many smaller stones. Thus, the price per carat remains relatively steady.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning gemstone treatments. Many gems undergo treatment to enhance color and value. At Artful Bracelets, we only offer AAA quality gemstones, treated with heat to enhance color and clarity. This natural and permanent solution enhances the gemstone’s appearance, allowing us to provide beautiful amethyst jewelry at slightly lower prices than untreated stones. Best of all, heat-treated amethysts are as authentic as their untreated counterparts.