Rare Brazilian Amethyst Formations
Amethyst is a mesmerising gemstone belonging to the quartz family of minerals. Known for its enchanting violet to purple hues, amethyst is often treasured for its beauty, elegance and spiritual significance.
The name "amethyst" is derived from the Greek word "amethystos," which translates to "sober," reflecting an ancient belief that the stone could protect its wearer from intoxication.
Amethyst Crystal Formation from Marabá
The formation of amethyst is a complex and delicate process. As the silica-rich solutions cool, the atoms within the quartz crystals arrange themselves into a highly ordered, repeating pattern, forming the distinct hexagonal shape commonly associated with quartz. During this crystallisation process, iron impurities may become trapped within the crystal lattice, and their presence causes the crystal to develop its iconic purple colour.
Amethyst often grows in clusters of large crystals or in geodes, which are spherical cavities lined with crystals. The growth of these crystals occurs over geological time scales, resulting in the impressive sizes and formations found in nature.
Large Amethyst Crystal Formation from Rio Grande do Sul
The colour of amethyst ranges from pale lavender to deep, rich purple, with some variations displaying hints of red and blue undertones. This diversity in colour is attributed to the presence of trace elements such as iron and aluminium in its crystal structure.
