Amethyst: Collecting Lovely Purple Crystals from Around the World

Amethyst is probably one of the most recognizable minerals or crystals in the world.

But did you know it forms in a variety of forms depending on where in the world it comes from?

Lets travel around the globe to discover all the beautiful pieces you could have in your collection!

 

1. Thunder Bay Amethyst

This variety of amethyst comes from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. It is know for its deep red crystal tips.  It forms in large masses covering the host rock. The crystals themselves are large and fat in their structure. But the tips are so included with hematite that they appear a deep maroon color. 

2. "Spirit Quartz" or "Cactus Quartz"

These are trade names for a well known formation of quartz from the Boekenhoutshoek Area of South Africa.  They have one main quartz crystal that has secondary growth of smaller crystals that jut out horizontally or at a 45º angle. It is colored from a light pinkish-lilac, to a rich lavender and mauve.

3. Veracruz Amethyst

This variety is from Veracruz, Mexico. They are commonly formed in smaller, singular clusters of crystals on the matrix. The crystals themselves tend to be slimmer and longer in shape. Usually these varieties appear very clear, with light purple phantom coloring. It doesn't typically have a rich saturated hue as other forms do.

4. Uruguay

Amethyst from here has the classic look of what many picture when they think of this mineral. They have richly saturated crystals of a deep, grape purple coloring. The crystals tend to be short, with just the pointed tips growing about the host rock. They are tightly packed together. You can also find these in cut-base freeform or cathedral shapes.

5. Chrysanthemum Amethyst

This is a trade name used to describe specific formations of Amethyst. They form in small, thin, but elongated crystals. They are tightly packed and radiate outward from a central point of origin, giving the appearance of petals on a flower. Typically these varieties have clear crystals with very pale lilac coloring. Some beautiful specimens come from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

6. Amethyst Scepters

If you've ever seen one of these varieties of amethyst, you'll clearly see why its trade name, or crystal shape, is described as a "scepter". They form with a quartz "stalk" or "shaft" that is made up of one quartz crystal that formed initially. Sometimes these can be very short and fat, or long and thin in crystal shape. Then a secondary, larger and complete crystal forms on top of that piece. It is usually double terminated. Often these larger crystals have stunning clarity with rich, violet phantoms. Because of the geology and process of formation for these, you'll likely see streaks or dots of glittering hematite within the crystal, and even enhydros! Some incredible mineral specimens of amethyst, scepter quartz come from the Goboboseb Mountains, from the Erongo Region of Namibia. 

Looking for a scepter to add to your collection? We have a beautiful one right here and here!

 

These are just a few of the variations of amethyst crystals that can be found throughout the world. Some mineral and crystal collectors focus strictly on collecting amethyst.

With the wide range of coloring, shape and formation, amethyst is a wonderful place to start your journey of collecting!