Goethite amethyst
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Goethite Amethyst: Meaning and History
The inclusions found in Goethite amethyst were historically mislabelled as cacoxenite due to a superficial resemblance to that mineral. However, there is no evidence that amethyst with cacoxenite truly exists.
In Brazil, these inclusions were traditionally called cacoxenite, and by the time empirical studies disproved this, the name had already become well established in popular usage and marketing.
Goethite inclusions typically form bundles of yellow to brown needle-like crystals, often described as resembling a broom, giving Goethite amethyst its unique and attractive appearance.
Origin of Goethite Amethyst
Goethite amethyst is primarily sourced from the region around Ametista do Sul, formerly known as Sao Gabriel, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This area is renowned for producing amethyst with the distinctive goethite inclusions.
About Goethite
Goethite is an iron oxyhydroxide mineral containing ferric iron and is one of the main components of rust and bog iron ore. It has a hardness of 5.0 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity ranging from 3.3 to 4.3. Goethite often forms prismatic, needle-like crystals, commonly known as “needle iron ore.”
It is also known to have several polymorphs, including feroxyhyte and lepidocrocite. These polymorphs share the same chemical formula, FeO(OH), but have different crystalline structures, which make them distinct from Goethite. Additionally, Goethite may transform into other high-pressure and high-temperature polymorphs under specific conditions related to the Earth’s interior.
Goethite Amethyst Quartz: Properties and Characteristics
Amethyst is a well-known purple variety of quartz, and its violet color is attributed to irradiation, iron impurities, and other trace elements within the crystal lattice. The mineral has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, similar to other quartz varieties, which makes it durable and well-suited for use in jewelry.
Video: Goethite Amethyst from Brazil
Amethyst is found in a range of colors, from light pinkish violet to deep purple, and may display secondary hues of red or blue. The intensity of the color can vary significantly, and in many cases, the color is distributed in bands parallel to the crystal faces. Lapidary artists must carefully cut the stone to enhance the color and achieve a uniform appearance in the finished gem.
One challenge in cutting amethyst is that the violet coloration may be concentrated in thin layers, which can make it difficult to achieve a consistent color throughout the finished gem. Nevertheless, the skillful cutting and polishing of amethyst reveal its inherent beauty, making it a popular choice for various types of jewelry.
Natural Amethyst for Sale in Our Gem Shop
We create custom amethyst jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Please contact us for a quote.
