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- The Story of Amethyst:
- The amethyst is mined in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil whereby it is
chiseled by hand from basalt (old lava formations).
It is theorized that amethyst formed after molten lava cooled,
liquid solutions filled pockets (where there were gaseous substances).
When the solutions evaporated, the amethyst crystals were left.
Amethyst is also in the quartz family of minerals, SiO2.
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The clusters (“druzes”) of amethyst are not prismatic crystals.
The “plates” of druzes are groups of tightly packed crystals.
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Color of amethyst is due to the presence of iron, titanium, and trace minerals.
Natural radiation is also thought to contribute to color.
- We also have Uruguayan Amethyst.
- Pricing of Amethyst:
- The price per pound of these druzes and geodes depend mostly on color,
clarity, and brilliance of the crystals.
Other factors affecting cost is the thickness of the matrix, (the host rock or basalt)
and whether the piece is cut and polished. The darker the color means usually a higher price per pound.
Usually the thicker the matrix of the amethyst piece, the less cost per pound.
Polishing outer faces of a slice or geode will increase the cost per pound.
-
The clusters (“druzes”) of amethyst are not prismatic crystals.
The “plates” of druzes are groups of tightly packed crystals.
-
Color of amethyst is due to the presence of iron, titanium, and trace minerals.
Natural radiation is also thought to contribute to color.
- We also have Uruguayan Amethyst.
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