How to Buy Amethyst: A Detailed Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Amethyst

Overview

Amethyst is a precious gemstone that has been prized since antiquity and has been used in jewelry, sculptures, and decorative pieces for centuries. This buying guide will provide an overview of the types of amethyst, its grading system, and important factors to consider when purchasing amethyst. With this guide, you will have the knowledge and tools to select the right amethyst for you or for a special someone.

Key features

  • Color - Amethyst is typically purple with shades ranging from a light pinkish violet to a deep grape. The most valuable color is deep and saturated.
  • Clarity - Clarity refers to the amount of inclusions, or tiny bubbles, in the stone. Clarity grades range from flawless (extremely rare) to included (contains visible inclusions).
  • Cut - The cut of a stone is how it is faceted, or shaped. Amethyst can come in many shapes, including round, oval, heart, and marquise.
  • Carat Weight - Carat weight is a measure of the stone’s size and weight. A higher carat weight means a larger stone.
  • Source - Amethyst can be mined from many locations around the world. Some stones come from Brazil, while others come from Uruguay, Nigeria, and Zambia.
  • Treatment - Some Amethyst may be treated to enhance their color or clarity. It is important to ask the seller to confirm if the stone has been treated before purchase.

See the most popular Amethyst on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Amethyst is very durable, making it suitable for everyday wear. It is the second hardest gemstone after diamond, and is generally resistant to scratches, chipping, and breaking.
  • Unique Color: Amethyst is renowned for its deep purple color. It has a unique color that is not found in many other gems, making it a desirable choice for jewelry.
  • Affordability: Amethyst is much more affordable than other precious gemstones like diamonds, making it an ideal choice for those who want to add a unique and beautiful gemstone to their jewelry collection without breaking the bank.
  • Versatility: Amethyst is a very versatile gemstone that can be used in a wide variety of jewelry styles. It is a perfect choice for rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and even brooches.
  • Healing Properties: Amethyst is believed to have healing properties and is commonly used in meditation and healing practices. It is believed to bring peace, balance, and a calming effect.

Cons

  • Availability of Quality: Amethyst can be difficult to find in high-quality grades, so buyers may have to settle for lower-quality stones at times.
  • Price: Amethyst is generally an affordable gemstone, but the cost can vary greatly depending on quality, size, and other factors.
  • Durability: Despite its hardness, Amethyst can still be damaged by scratches and abrasions, so buyers should take care when wearing or storing the stone.
  • Treatments: Many Amethyst stones are subject to treatments such as heating or irradiation, so buyers should ask for a certificate of authenticity when purchasing higher-quality stones.

Best alternatives

  1. Garnet - a beautiful, deep red gemstone with a hardness rating of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale.
  2. Peridot - a green gemstone composed of olivine with a hardness rating of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale.
  3. Aquamarine - a blue-green gemstone with a hardness rating of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale.
  4. Citrine - a yellow-orange gemstone with a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale.
  5. Opal - a unique gemstone composed of hydrated silica with a hardness rating of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Amethyst - a variety of quartz crystal with a beautiful deep purple hue
  • Cutting tools - saws, files, or grinders used to shape the crystal
  • Setting supplies - glue, wire, soldering kits, or other materials used to attach the crystal to a setting
  • Polishing tools - cloths, buffers, or polishes used to clean and shine the crystal
  • Display cases - cases or boxes used to store and show off the crystal pieces

Common questions

  1. What color is amethyst? Amethyst is typically a deep purple in color, but can also range from a light lilac to a deep burgundy.
  2. Where is amethyst found? Amethyst is found around the world in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Madagascar, Canada, India, and Sri Lanka.
  3. What are the healing properties of amethyst? Amethyst is believed to have many healing properties, including stress relief, the ability to calm the mind and balance emotions, and to help open the wearer up to spiritual guidance.
  4. What shapes and sizes can amethyst be found in? Amethyst can be found in many shapes and sizes, from tiny polished gems to large, uncut crystals.
  5. Are there any special qualities to amethyst? Amethyst is believed to contain special properties that protect the wearer and bring them good luck.
  6. Is amethyst an expensive stone? The price of amethyst depends on the quality and size of the stone, but it usually falls in the mid-range of precious stones.

Trivia

Amethyst has been used throughout history for its beauty and healing properties, but it has also been featured in some interesting stories. One such story is from ancient Greece, when Amethyst was believed to be the tears of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry. It is said that Dionysus had wept tears of wine onto a clear crystal, turning it into the beautiful purple stones that we know today. This myth has been used to explain why Amethyst has long been associated with sobriety and clarity. It is certainly an interesting story and may make potential shoppers smile as they learn about the unique history of Amethyst. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.