This specimen is a single polished amethyst crystal from Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. The specimen is housed in an acrylic jar that is encased within a glass-topped riker display box. The box measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/2". A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.

Note: Each Amethyst specimen will feature a unique shape and coloration. This is due to the nature of the formation of the gemstone.

An amethyst’s coloring is due to impurities in its crystal structure. The gemstone is made up primarily of quartz, a silicate that is normally a clear and colorless mineral. In some cases though, trivalent iron may be substituted for silicon. Radiation affecting the mineral helps this substitution and the internal lattice then becomes warped, causing it to refract light in such a way that the gem appears purple.

Different intensities of impurities can cause amethyst to appear in different shades, from deep purples to light lavender. Colors vary from gem to gem and can be different within individual amethysts. 

Amethyst crystals can form in many different shapes. Some grow from the cavities of other rocks in a geode structure, others appear as scepters, split-growth crystals, and occasionally amethyst deposits can even fill in tunnels from hydrothermal vents. These veins grow at different rates over time, causing variation in the color and shape of the crystals, with dark and light stripes of purple appearing right beside each other.

One of the most abundant sources of amethyst are the volcanic geodes of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Hidden underneath these basaltic flows lay a massive amount of amethyst deposits, with some deposits having metric tons of material. Geodes in this region can be massive, with some being over 9 feet long.

Amethyst gets its name from the Greek prefix "a-", which means not, and "methysko" which means intoxicate. In Nonnus’ Dionysiaca, the Greek god of wine, Dionysus is gifted the gem in order to prevent him from going mad. Cups and glasses that were carved from amethyst were thought to impart this resistance onto the drinker and many have been found dating back to antiquity.

Artifacts made from amethyst can be found throughout history and around the world, with beads and jewelry appearing in ancient Egypt, Greece, the pre-colonial Americas, medieval Europe, and India. The beauty of these stones has always captured the eye of humans. Today, amethyst is cut and polished in order to be used for all kinds of jewelry.