Author : Ria Kar, MSc Student, University of Calcutta mail to author Amethyst is the common name of a variety of quartz crystals having purple or violet color due to presence of couple of transition elements like iron (Fe) as impurities within their crystal structure (it’s like presence of soil brick into a stone-brick building). Because of its naturally beautiful color, it is used as gemstones in jewelry industry. However, these gemstones look dull when they are formed by the earth processes, but polished later to give a shining appearance (see figures). Amethyst in natural rock (Left), Image source : http://minerals.gps.caltech.edu/ Amethyst with shining appearance (Middle) , Image source : Click Polished amethyst (Right) , Source In nature amethyst crystals are mainly formed in the inner surface of amethyst geode (Small cavity filled with crystals) found on the surface of the earth. In the lava (molten rock that comes on the surface) first there is formation of cavity then it is filled with silica (which mostly makes beach sand) rich liquids containing a little amount of iron which gets crystallized in the crystalline processes and formation of amethyst crystals occur in the inner walls. It is mainly formed in igneous (related to volcanism; for example, granite) and highly metamorphosed (forms and composition of rocks changes due to addition of pressure and/or temperature; for example, marbles!) rock. Amethyst can also be found on the vugs i.e. holes in the rock by dissolving or eroding on the surface of rock and form deep cavities. Mineral-rich liquids get trapped and crystallized and formation of gem occurs. Although the processes of formation of amethysts are well known, its role in modifying/changing human fate is unknown. Please let us know if you are aware of any proof of its magical power on human fate. To know further about amethyst, click here |
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