Amethyst Jewelry

In its purest state quartz is clear. Amethyst, the most valuable gem-variety of quartz, derives its purple color from the interplay of its iron and aluminum atoms. Deeper purple hues are the most coveted. Found abundantly in Brazil and Uruguay, the specimen shown above is a rare cut Madagascar stone. Amethyst jewelry is on display in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals at our National Museum of Natural History.