Amethyst – Purple Quartz | Origins, Colours & Value | GemMine
What Is Amethyst?
Amethyst is the most prized variety of quartz, celebrated for its striking purple to violet colour caused by iron impurities and natural irradiation. It scores 7 on the Mohs hardness scale and has been treasured since ancient times by Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans who believed it prevented intoxication. Today it is one of the most popular coloured gemstones in the world, offering exceptional value and beauty.
Where Does Amethyst Come From?
- Brazil – The world's largest source, particularly the Rio Grande do Sul and Minas Gerais states, producing enormous geodes and facet-quality stones.
- Uruguay – Renowned for producing deep, richly saturated purple amethyst, often considered the finest in the world.
- Zambia – African amethyst tends toward a reddish-purple tone with excellent saturation and fine clarity.
- Russia (Siberia) – Historic "Siberian" amethyst is the benchmark for quality, displaying deep purple with red and blue flashes. Now largely depleted.
- South Korea, Sri Lanka & Madagascar – Additional sources producing a range of qualities.
Amethyst Colours & Varieties
- Deep Purple – The most valuable tone; a rich, saturated purple with slight reddish flashes ("Siberian" quality).
- Violet – Lighter, more bluish-purple stones common from Brazil.
- Rose de France – A pale, pastel lavender/lilac amethyst, elegant and popular in vintage jewellery.
- Ametrine – A natural bicolour stone combining amethyst (purple) and citrine (yellow), found almost exclusively in Bolivia.
- Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) – Heat-treated amethyst with a mint-green colour.
Ethical Sourcing
Most amethyst is mined by small-scale artisanal operations in Brazil and Uruguay. GemMine sources amethyst from responsible suppliers committed to fair wages and minimal environmental impact. Zambian amethyst often comes from larger, better-regulated operations.
Amethyst Value & Rarity
While amethyst is widely available in lower grades, top-quality "Siberian"-colour Uruguayan amethyst in large sizes (5ct+) with exceptional saturation and no colour zoning is genuinely rare and commands strong prices. The reclassification of amethyst from precious to semi-precious in the 19th century (following the discovery of Brazilian deposits) means it remains undervalued relative to its beauty, making it excellent value for collectors.
Amethyst Price Guide (GBP)
| Quality | Origin | Price per Carat (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Brazil | £2–£15 |
| Fine | Uruguay | £15–£80 |
| Extra Fine (Siberian colour) | Uruguay/Zambia | £80–£250+ |
| Ametrine | Bolivia | £20–£100 |
Why Choose Amethyst?
Amethyst is the perfect entry point into coloured gemstone collecting, offering remarkable colour, excellent durability, and outstanding value. Whether you are seeking a vivid purple centrepiece for fine jewellery or a collector's stone, GemMine offers hand-selected amethysts from Uruguay, Zambia, and beyond.