Amethyst is probably the first crystal most people ever pick up, and it is also one of the stones where it pays to know what you are looking at. Here in Regina I sort a lot of purple stones, and the same questions come up again and again: is it natural, why is one piece pale and another deep, and why did my amethyst lose its colour on the windowsill? This guide walks through how to choose a piece you will enjoy for years.
Quick answer: Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, a durable stone that rates about 7 on the Mohs scale. To choose well, look for colour that varies naturally through the crystal rather than looking flat and perfectly even, buy from a seller who is open about treatments and dyes, and keep your piece out of long, strong sunlight because amethyst colour can fade. Traditionally, amethyst is associated with calm, restful sleep and intuition.
What is amethyst?
Amethyst is quartz coloured by trace iron within the crystal structure, together with natural radiation exposure over time. That is why it is a true quartz and not a separate mineral: it shares the same hardness and the same glassy shine as clear quartz. It forms in volcanic rock cavities, which is why so much of it arrives as geode halves, clusters and cathedral-shaped formations. Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia are among the well-known sources, and amethyst is the traditional birthstone for February. If you would like the deeper traditional background, I have a full amethyst meaning and properties page.
How to tell what you are buying
Most of the confusion around amethyst comes down to four situations. None of them make a stone bad, but you should know which one you are holding.
- Natural amethyst. Colour is rarely perfectly even. You will often see lighter and darker zones, angled colour banding or paler tips on crystal points. Raw clusters and geodes almost always show this.
- Heat-treated amethyst. Heating amethyst changes its colour. Depending on the stone and the temperature, it can turn yellow to orange, which is how a great deal of commercial citrine is made, or green, which is sold as prasiolite. If you are curious about that side of the family, see my guide on real citrine versus heat-treated amethyst.
- Dyed or coated material. Cheap purple stones are sometimes dyed quartz or agate. Warning signs include colour that pools in cracks and drill holes, an unnaturally electric purple, and colour that rubs off. My broader guide to dyed, heated and man-made stones covers these checks in more detail.
- Glass or lab-grown stones. Purple glass often has tiny round bubbles and a perfectly uniform colour. Lab-grown amethyst is real quartz grown in a laboratory, so it is chemically the same as natural amethyst but not a natural specimen. Reputable sellers should tell you which you are buying.
The simplest rule is to ask. A shop that knows its stock can tell you whether a piece is natural, polished, treated or lab-made.
Choosing the right form
The best amethyst is the one that suits how you plan to use it. Here is how the main forms compare.
- Tumbled pocket stones. Smooth, affordable and easy to carry. The amethyst cube tumbled stone is a tidy choice for a pocket, a purse or a bedside dish.
- Towers and points. Polished or natural towers like this amethyst tower specimen make a clean focal point for a desk or shelf.
- Clusters and geodes. Natural crystal formations with the most depth of colour. A piece such as the amethyst cluster cathedral specimen is a one-of-a-kind display piece.
- Spirit quartz. Slender, clustered crystals with a softer lavender tone. The lavender amethyst spirit quartz is a good example if you prefer a gentler look.
- Jewellery. Wire wrapped pieces like the amethyst cluster necklace keep the stone close to hand throughout the day.
You can see everything currently in stock in the amethyst collection, and if you love the softer rose-toned variety, the pink amethyst collection is worth a look too.
Colour, depth and what to look for
Deeper purple is not automatically better, and pale lavender is not automatically lesser. Pale amethyst is sometimes called lavender or rose de France in the trade, and it is a lovely, calm colour. When you compare pieces, look at the crystal from several angles under natural light. Good pieces show clear, glassy crystal faces, even polish on carved items and colour that looks like it lives inside the stone rather than sitting on the surface. Small natural inclusions and fine fractures are normal in raw crystal. Photos can shift colour, so with one-of-a-kind specimens I always say you will receive the exact piece pictured.
How to care for amethyst so it keeps its colour
Amethyst is hard enough for everyday handling, but its colour is the delicate part. Prolonged, strong sunlight can slowly fade it, so display your piece in a shaded spot rather than on a sunny sill. Clean it with a soft cloth and, if needed, lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, then dry it. Avoid heat sources and harsh chemicals. Raw clusters can have fragile points, so give them a stable spot where they will not be knocked. Many people also like to cleanse crystals with moonlight, sound or a selenite plate as a personal ritual, which is a matter of tradition and preference.
Traditional meaning
In crystal tradition, amethyst is linked to calm, restful sleep, intuition and clear-headedness, and it is commonly connected with the crown and third eye chakras. Many people place a piece by the bed or on a meditation space. These are traditional and intuitive associations, not medical claims, and a crystal is a lovely companion to your self-care routine rather than a substitute for it.
Frequently asked questions
Is amethyst a real crystal?
Yes. Amethyst is a variety of quartz, a naturally occurring crystal. Be aware that purple glass, dyed stones and lab-grown amethyst are also sold, so it is worth asking the seller what you are buying.
Does amethyst fade in the sun?
It can. Long exposure to strong sunlight may gradually lighten amethyst, so keep it in a shaded spot.
What is the difference between amethyst and citrine?
Both are quartz. Amethyst is purple, while citrine is yellow to orange. Much of the citrine sold commercially is heat-treated amethyst, though natural citrine does exist.
How can I tell if my amethyst is dyed?
Look for colour concentrated in cracks, an unnaturally bright purple, or colour that rubs off. Natural amethyst usually shows soft zoning or variation in tone.
How do I cleanse amethyst?
Many people use moonlight, sound or a selenite plate. For physical cleaning, a soft cloth and lukewarm water is enough. Avoid direct sun and heat.
Crystals are offered for enjoyment and personal ritual. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every piece is chosen with care and shipped from Regina, Saskatchewan. If amethyst is calling to you, come find your piece. — Laurie