What is the Color of Amethyst? Learn About the Most Popular Purple Gem!

Have you ever marveled at the glistening quartz crystals of an amethyst stone? It’s no secret that amethyst crystals are one of the most beloved gems around. With vivid hues spanning from lilac to lavender to dark purple, the spectrum of this bright gem is mesmerizing. So, what is the color of amethyst, and what does it mean?

Keep reading as we uncover the purple spectacle of this brilliant jewel!

What is Amethyst?

To fully explore the beautiful color of amethyst, we first need to look at its chemical composition. Amethyst is a purple mineral composed of crystal quartz. Also in the quartz family of crystals is rose quartz, smoky quartz, and citrine. However, amethyst is by far the most popular of the bunch. No secrets there, as people primarily adore this popular purple gemstone for its bright color.

And it’s this composition that gifts amethyst with its radiant color. Speaking of which, what color is amethyst?

What Color Is Amethyst?

You most likely know that the color of amethyst is purple, but did you know it comes in a broad spectrum of different purple hues? The amethyst color chart is extensive — from pale lilac to purplish black. Throw in strains of red and blue and you’ve got a bonafide purple color wheel!

Amethyst is such a popular gem because there are few purple crystals as striking to buy. Sure, there are other purple gems like kunzite, sugilite, and alexandrite, but amethyst is in a league all its own.

Despite the range of purple shades in the amethyst spectrum, the most sought after are deeply saturated purple stones. Let’s find out why.

Natural Amethyst Color

Amethyst gets its beautiful purple color due to the presence of iron impurities in the crystal quartz structure. In some cases, exposure to natural radiation during the growth process can also permeate the jewel and transform it to a vivid purple shade. Although enhancements exist, the most beloved shades of amethyst are entirely natural. However, some crystals aren’t naturally as vivid as desired. In this case, the crystal receives treatment and enhancements to bring out more color.

Amethyst Color Enhancements

In some cases, jewelers apply heat treatment to amethyst to saturate the gem with a deeper purple coloring. However, this is not always the intended or final result. When heat treatment is applied to individual amethyst jewels, the color changes to either a warm-hued orange or a light green prasiolite known as “green amethyst.”

Heating amethyst to a temperature of 572-752°F changes the stone from purple to golden yellow, transforming it from an amethyst jewel to a citrine. A slight change in temperature will yield a green amethyst.

Do Amethyst Stones Change Color?

Unlike mood gems that change color as you wear them, amethyst does not change color without deliberate alteration. However, some influences in light can inadvertently alter the gemstone’s color. For example, when light polarizes and shifts along the axes of the crystal, the color of the gem changes from bluish-violet to purple.

The changes in color vary drastically depending on the degree in which the light penetrates and splits within the crystal. Does anything else dictate amethyst color?

Amethyst Origins And Color

Despite these color variations, the most desirable amethyst color is deep purple. Multiple locations around the globe source amethyst gems. As you might suspect, the origin of the gemstone influences its color.

For example, Uruguay and Arizona are renowned for supplying deep purple-blue amethyst. Head over to Russia, and you’ll find the infamous “Siberian Amethyst” in unique shades of reddish-purple and bluish-purple.

While amethyst is generally an affordable and widely available crystal, Siberian Amethyst is rare, and thus, the most valuable. That’s because Russia’s amethyst deposits are depleted, adding novelty and prestige to this now elusive crystal.

Let’s explore the symbolism behind the amethyst color meaning to find out why everyone loves this purple gem!

What Does The Color Amethyst Mean?

Did you know that amethyst is one of the oldest gemstones in the world? Tracing back to early antiquity, the name comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” which has a meaning you might not expect from a gem!

During ancient times, people coined the purple jewel after one of the early amethyst powers: to avoid drunkenness. The exact translation for “amethystos” is “not drunken.” People attending gatherings might strategically wear amethyst jewels to ward off unfavorable behaviors caused by one-too-many drinks.

In an era where one wrong slur could result in a death sentence, we can see why the ancient Romans clung to amethyst!

This belief was so widespread that the Romans drank from cups carved from amethyst crystals — we’d say that’s both decadent and functional.

Amethyst Properties And Powers

All crystals have unique healing properties, and amethyst powers are potent and giving. People around the world use amethyst healing crystals to alleviate anxiety, minimize stress, and promote calmness.

That’s because amethyst properties stimulate peace, activate inner intuition, and silence the noise from stressful situations or conflict.

In color psychology, purple is a bold, regal hue that boosts wisdom and strength. However, in large quantities, too much purple can exude frustration or imbalance.

Raw amethyst crystals look beautiful on their own, and people frequently use them in home décor. Another great way to carry amethyst powers wherever you go is to buy loose amethyst gems and set them into jewelry designs!

What is the Best Color for Amethyst?

In the gemstone industry, most regard deeply saturated purple amethyst as the best and most valuable variation. However, it ultimately depends on what you, the buyer, love the most! If you love lilac, lavender, or bluish-purple, you can easily find a stunning amethyst jewel that suits you. The truth is, you honestly can’t go wrong with any color variation of this gorgeous gemstone.

Amethyst jewelry is trendy and classic. You’ll have no trouble finding gorgeous amethyst rings, pendants, earrings, and necklace pendants.

If you prefer to incorporate amethyst into your home décor, you’ll love the natural, earthy aesthetic of raw amethyst crystals.

Thanks to its stunning composition, vivid coloring, durability, and attractive price point, amethyst has won many hearts! Is yours one of them?

Shop for amethyst gemstones, rough crystals, and specimens to find your purple-hued treasure!

SHOP AMETHYST

Amethyst