Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and one of the world's most popular gemstones. Its color ranges from soft lavender to rich violet due to traces of iron and natural irradiation. Major sources include Brazil, Zambia, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Madagascar. With a Mohs hardness of 7, Amethyst is durable enough for everyday jewelry. It is widely used in rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets, and collectors value stones with rich, evenly distributed color and excellent transparency.

Choose Amethyst with vivid, even purple color and good transparency. Eye-clean stones with precise cutting offer the best brilliance. Origin may influence appearance, but color and clarity are usually the biggest value factors. Some Amethyst may be heat treated to improve color. Request certification from a reputable gemological laboratory when purchasing higher-value stones and buy from trusted sellers.

Clean Amethyst with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, prolonged exposure to high heat, and extended direct sunlight, which may affect color over time. Store it separately from harder gemstones to reduce scratching.