Amethyst Isn’t Just Purple! Explore the Diverse Shades of Amethyst

When thinking of Amethyst, many people may picture a deep purple gemstone known for its elegance and popularity in the jewelry industry. However, in reality, Amethyst comes in a variety of shades, influenced by its chemical composition and natural processes, each possessing its own unique beauty.

This article will introduce you to the different shades of Amethyst, along with their sources and distinctive properties that make them stand out.

1. Classic Purple (Deep Purple / Violet Amethyst)

Characteristics: A deep, rich purple or bluish-purple hue, which is the most commonly found color in natural Amethyst. The shade can vary in intensity depending on the amount of iron (Fe³⁺) present in the crystal. Amethysts with a slight red undertone are often referred to as 'Siberian Amethyst,' a highly valued variety in the gemstone market.

Sources:

Russia: Siberian Amethyst is renowned for its deep purple color with blue and red undertones.
Brazil: One of the world's largest Amethyst producers.
Uruguay: Produces deep purple Amethyst with high color saturation.

2. Reddish-Purple Amethyst

Characteristics:This variety of Amethyst features a reddish-purple hue, resulting from variations in iron content distinct from deep purple Amethyst. The red undertone becomes more pronounced when the gemstone forms in manganese-rich environments.

Sources:

Brazil & Bolivia: Known for producing vibrant reddish-purple Amethyst, which is highly sought after in the jewelry market.
Uruguay: Often yields Amethyst with deeper, more intense reddish-purple tones than other locations.

3. Rose de France Amethyst

Characteristics: This Amethyst variety exhibits a delicate pinkish-purple or lavender hue, giving it a soft, romantic appeal. It is rarer than deep-colored Amethyst and is often faceted to highlight its clarity and brilliance.

Sources:

France: The origin of the name "Rose de France."
Brazil & South Africa: Currently the leading sources of light pinkish Amethyst.

4. Golden-Amber Purple (Ametrine - Amethyst + Citrine)

Characteristics: Ametrine is a rare and unique gemstone that naturally combines both Amethyst (purple) and Citrine (golden-yellow) in a single crystal. The distinct separation of these two colors makes it highly sought after in jewelry.

Formation: This gemstone forms when part of an Amethyst deposit undergoes natural heating beneath the Earth's crust, causing sections of the crystal to transform into Citrine while the rest remains purple.

Sources:

Bolivia: The Anahi Mine is the world's largest and most famous source of Ametrine.

5. Green (Prasiolite or Green Amethyst)

Characteristics:Prasiolite, often referred to as "Green Amethyst," exhibits a soft green hue with a slight gray undertone. Naturally occurring green Amethyst is extremely rare, and most Prasiolite on the market is produced by heat-treating Amethyst with the right iron content.

Sources:

Brazil & Poland: Major producers of commercially available Prasiolite.
United States: Naturally occurring green Amethyst has been found in Arizona.

6. Brown-Orange (Heat-Treated Amethyst / Burnt Amethyst)

Characteristics: This is Amethyst that has been heat-treated at high temperatures, changing its color to brown-orange. Amethyst that has undergone this process is often sold as Citrine in the market (though it is not natural Citrine). The color change occurs when Amethyst is heated to temperatures between 400-500°C, turning it yellow-orange, resembling natural Citrine. However, if heated to temperatures higher than 500°C, it may turn brown or colorless.

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