Quartz, the most common single mineral includes many varieties and sub-varieties. Amethyst is the name given to the variety which is transparent and light to dark purple in color. Although amethyst is found on almost every continent the dark transparent and clean stones are relatively rare and always in demand.
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| Known Facts |
| Color Key: |
purple, violet |
| Refractive Index: |
1.544 - 1.553 |
| Chemical Composition: |
SiO2 |
| Hardness: |
7 |
| Density: |
2.66 |
| Crystal Group: |
Hexagonal |
| Ocurrence: |
Brazil, Uraguay, Bolivia, Madagascar, Russia, USA, Zambia |
| Sign of the Zodiac: |
Pisces |
| Month of the year: |
February |
| Planet: |
Neptune |
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Purple has long been considered a royal color so it is not surprising that amethyst has been so much in demand during history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence. |
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