Amethyst is best known for its purple colour, but it is far from being a gemstone of just one shade. Its colour palette ranges from very pale lilac and lavender to deep purple, sometimes with bluish or reddish undertones.
These different shades of purple make amethyst a remarkably versatile gemstone. Pale amethyst can look delicate and light, while a dark amethyst can appear wonderfully dramatic, with an almost velvety depth. The impression also changes depending on how the stone is cut and which materials and colours surround it.
What is amethyst?
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. It belongs to the same mineral family as rock crystal, smoky quartz and citrine.
Pure quartz is colourless. The purple colour of amethyst is associated with small amounts of iron in the quartz structure and colour centres created by natural irradiation. The colour is not always distributed evenly throughout the stone, which is why amethyst often shows areas of lighter and darker purple.
What colour is amethyst?
Amethyst ranges from pale lilac to intense, deep violet. Its colour may have cool bluish undertones, lean towards purple-red, or occasionally have a slightly brownish cast.
Even, strongly saturated violet and reddish-violet amethysts are generally among the most highly valued. A very dark stone does not necessarily appear more brilliant, however, as in low light its colour can look almost black.
When it comes to jewellery, a paler colour does not automatically make an amethyst less interesting. Very pale amethyst can give a piece of jewellery a refined, almost misty and romantic quality. A dark stone, on the other hand, creates a strong focal point and can provide a beautiful contrast to pale pearls and clear crystals.
The colour of amethyst is not always distributed evenly throughout the stone. Crystals may show distinct lighter and darker areas known as colour zoning.
Colour zoning is common in amethyst. It may appear as angular areas, bands or gradual transitions from nearly colourless quartz to intense violet. In rough crystals, the strongest colour is often concentrated in particular growth zones or near the tips of the crystals.
Cutting can influence how evenly the colour appears in a finished gemstone. A skilful cut can highlight the most beautiful areas of colour and allow light to move evenly through the stone.
Where is amethyst found?
Amethyst is found in many parts of the world. Well-known producing countries include Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.
Amethyst crystals often form in cavities within volcanic rock. Quartz crystals growing along the inner walls of a cavity can create a geode lined with purple amethyst crystals. Brazil and Uruguay are particularly well known for their large amethyst geodes.
Country of origin alone, however, does not determine the quality or value of an amethyst. Colour intensity and evenness, clarity and the quality of the cut are generally more important factors.
What kinds of jewellery is amethyst suitable for?
Amethyst is suitable for many kinds of jewellery because it is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. It is cut into round, oval, pear-shaped and geometric gemstones as well as smooth cabochons and beads.
Clear, faceted amethyst reflects light and emphasises the different nuances of purple. In a smoothly polished stone, attention is drawn instead to the depth of colour, natural patterns and any inclusions within the stone.
Pale amethysts work particularly well in soft and romantic colour combinations. They can be paired with mother-of-pearl, clear crystals, pink, blue or understated neutral shades.
Dark amethyst looks striking alongside gold, silver, copper and deep jewel tones. Purple can take on a completely different character depending on whether it is combined with warm or cool materials.
Over the years, I have made jewellery here at the atelier using amethysts in many different shades. Amethyst works beautifully with both silver and gold, and I have also combined it with other gemstones. By changing the surrounding colours and materials, the mood of a piece can shift from calm and subtle to wonderfully bold.
In one of my most memorable amethyst pieces, the purple stone was paired with bright orange pressed amber. The result was, quite simply, bold!
A wonderfully misty, pale, lavender-coloured amethyst, on the other hand, needed little more than silver beside it. The finished piece had an almost fairy-like lightness.
Amethyst can therefore take on many different personalities in jewellery. The colours and materials surrounding the stone strongly influence its mood – and even the way we perceive its colour. Surrounding colours are known to affect the way our eyes experience colour.
How does the cut affect the appearance of amethyst?
The cut has a major influence on how bright, dark and lively an amethyst appears. A well-cut stone returns light evenly and brings out its violet colour without large dull or overly dark areas.
Amethyst lends itself to many different cuts and can also be fashioned into large gemstones. Because it is relatively abundant, unusual and individual cuts are more common in amethyst than in many rarer gemstones.
Very dark amethyst needs sufficient light and a successful cut to prevent its purple colour from appearing closed or almost black. In a pale stone, a good cut can add sparkle and make a delicate colour more visible.
Can amethyst be treated?
The colour of amethyst can be altered by heating. Depending on the material, heating can turn some amethysts yellow, yellowish brown or green.
A large proportion of the warm orange-yellow citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst. Not all amethysts respond to heat in the same way, and the result depends on factors including the stone's origin and structure. Prasiolite with its sophisticated green hue is also often produced by heat-treating amethyst.
Amethyst can also be grown in laboratories. Synthetic amethyst has the same chemical composition as natural amethyst, but it is grown under controlled conditions. Distinguishing natural from synthetic amethyst by appearance alone can be difficult.
Is amethyst a durable gemstone?
Amethyst is well suited to jewellery when treated with normal care. As a variety of quartz, it is hard enough for many types of jewellery, although a strong impact can still chip or break the stone.
In earrings and pendants, amethyst is generally well protected from heavy wear. In rings and bracelets it is more exposed to knocks and abrasion, so these pieces are best removed before activities such as cleaning, gardening or exercising.
How should amethyst jewellery be cared for?
Amethyst jewellery can be cleaned gently with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Rinse carefully and dry gently.
Steam cleaning is not recommended for amethyst. Sudden changes in temperature and excessive heat should also be avoided, as they can damage the stone. Prolonged exposure to very strong light may cause the colour of some amethysts to fade.
When cleaning an entire piece of jewellery, the other materials must also be taken into account. Bead-embroidered jewellery or pieces containing glued components should not be immersed in water, even if the amethyst itself would tolerate gentle cleaning with water.
Is amethyst the birthstone for February?
Amethyst is known as the birthstone for February. Its distinctive purple colour makes it an easily recognisable choice for a birthday gift, although naturally there is no need to have a February birthday to wear amethyst jewellery.
Amethyst can make a particularly lovely gift for someone who enjoys violet, lilac or rich jewel tones. Its wide range of shades means that amethyst jewellery can be either delicate and understated or bold and striking.
What beliefs and meanings are associated with amethyst?
Throughout history, amethyst has been associated with many symbolic meanings and beliefs. These have included calmness, clarity of thought, balance and protection.
Such ideas belong to cultural traditions and the symbolism associated with crystals; they are not scientifically established effects of the stone. Amethyst can, of course, still be chosen for jewellery because of a personal meaning, a memory, its colour or simply its beauty.
Frequently asked questions about amethyst
Is amethyst a gemstone?
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and is widely used as a gemstone. In traditional classifications it may be described as a semi-precious stone, although today the jewellery and gem trade often simply uses terms such as gemstone or coloured gemstone.
Is amethyst always purple?
By definition, amethyst is purple quartz. Its colour can nevertheless range from almost colourless pale lilac to very deep purple.
Why does my amethyst look different in different lighting?
The apparent shade and darkness of amethyst change with the lighting. Daylight, warm indoor light and cool LED lighting can emphasise different nuances within the purple, and a very dark amethyst may appear almost black in low light.
Can the colour of amethyst fade?
The colour of some amethysts may fade after prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. Amethyst jewellery should therefore not be stored continuously in direct sunlight.
Is amethyst naturally clear?
High-quality amethyst can be very clear and transparent. Natural stones may nevertheless contain inclusions, cloudy areas and colour zoning.
Is pale amethyst poor quality?
A pale colour alone does not make an amethyst poor quality. Strong, evenly saturated violet is generally more highly valued commercially, but a pale amethyst can be beautiful, clear and perfectly suited to jewellery.
Amethyst in jewellery – the many moods of purple
Much of amethyst's appeal lies in the diversity of its colour. Pale lilac can look delicate and airy, while deep purple brings richness, contrast and a slightly mysterious quality to jewellery.
The overall character of a piece, however, is always created by several elements working together. The shade, cut and size of the amethyst, the surrounding beads and the colour of the metal all influence whether the finished piece feels romantic, dramatic, historical or clean and contemporary.
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