Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz (SiO2) and owes its violet color to irradiation, impurities of iron and in some cases other transition metals, and the presence of other trace elements, which result in complex crystal lattice substitutions.
Is amethyst always purple?
Amethyst is always purple, but its color ranges from delicate, pale lilac to deep, expressive violet. While deeper purple amethyst is the most valuable, lighter gemstones may offer more affordable price points.
What is the rarest color of amethyst?
As common as the mineral quartz is, the finest amethyst commonly known as “Siberian color” is quite rare. This color is the color of concord grapes with a secondary red flash when viewed in incandescent lighting.
