Amethyst
by Sophie S.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a form of silicon dioxide, or quartz.
Luster
Amethyst's luster is nonmetallic and vitreous because it is not metallic and looks to be made of glass
Hardness
Amethyst places at seven on the Moh's scale, which means that it cannot scratch Topaz but can scratch Feldspar
Color
Amethyst is given its purple color from impurities of iron or manganese. The color amethyst refers to the color of the mineral. Amethyst is sometimes heated to deepen its color, or turn into Citrine.
Streak
The streak of Amethyst is white, along with quartz and all of its derivatives.
Crystal Form
The crystals are usually striated horizontally. They're also of hexagonal formation.
Cleavage/Fracture
Amethyst has a conchoidal fracture.
Where Amethyst is Located and Mined
It's commonly found in Canada in Ontario and Nova Scotia. The largest Amethyst mine in North America is in Ontario.
Bulldozers and excavators are used to strip, excavate and expose the amethyst veins. The veins are then mined selectively by pick and shovel. The lower grade amethyst is stockpiled to provide bulk feed for the washing plant.