6,889
edits
Difference between revisions of "Amethyst"
→Structure
Occultwiki (talk | contribs) |
Occultwiki (talk | contribs) |
||
| (2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
==Structure== | ==Structure== | ||
Amethyst is a purple variety of [[quartz]] (SiO2) and owes its violet color to irradiation, impurities of iron (Fe3+) and in some cases other transition metals, and the presence of other trace elements, which result in complex crystal lattice substitutions. Amethyst can fade in tone if overexposed to light sources, and can be artificially darkened with adequate irradiation. It does not fluoresce under either short-wave or long-wave UV light. | Amethyst is a purple variety of [[quartz]] (SiO2) and owes its violet color to irradiation, impurities of iron (Fe3+) and in some cases other transition metals, and the presence of other trace elements, which result in complex [[crystal]] lattice substitutions. Amethyst can fade in tone if overexposed to light sources, and can be artificially darkened with adequate irradiation. It does not fluoresce under either short-wave or long-wave UV light. | ||
Amethyst is a three-dimensional network of tetrahedra where the silicon atoms are in the center and are surrounded by four oxygen atoms located at the vertices of a tetrahedron. This structure is quite rigid and results in quartz's hardness and resistance to weathering. The hardness of the mineral is the same as quartz, thus making it suitable for use in jewelry. | Amethyst is a three-dimensional network of tetrahedra where the silicon atoms are in the center and are surrounded by four oxygen atoms located at the vertices of a tetrahedron. This structure is quite rigid and results in quartz's hardness and resistance to weathering. The hardness of the mineral is the same as quartz, thus making it suitable for use in jewelry. | ||
The highest-grade amethyst (called "Deep Russian") is exceptionally rare. When one is found, its value is dependent on the demand of collectors. The highest-grade | The highest-grade amethyst (called "Deep Russian") is exceptionally rare. When one is found, its value is dependent on the demand of collectors. The highest-grade [[sapphire]]s or rubies are still orders of magnitude more expensive than amethyst. | ||
== | ==Occurrence== | ||
Amethyst is found in many locations around the world. Between 2000 and 2010, the greatest production was from Marabá and Pau d'Arco, Pará | Amethyst is found in many locations around the world. Between 2000 and 2010, the greatest production was from: | ||
* Brazil: Marabá and Pau d'Arco, Pará; and the Paraná Basin, Rio Grande do Sul | |||
* Bolivia: Sandoval, Santa Cruz | |||
* Uruguay: Artigas | |||
* Zambia: Kalomo | |||
* Canada: Thunder Bay, Ontario | |||
Lesser amounts are found in many other locations in Spain, Argentina, Russia, Afghanistan, South Korea, Mexico, and the United States. | |||
A large geode, or "amethyst-grotto," from near Santa Cruz in southern Brazil was presented at a 1902 exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany. | A large geode, or "amethyst-grotto," from near Santa Cruz in southern Brazil was presented at a 1902 exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany. | ||
| Line 22: | Line 29: | ||
==Spiritual meanings== | ==Spiritual meanings== | ||
The meaning of amethyst varies from time to time and culture, which is why amethyst has different meanings in Feng Shui and focuses on increasing wealth. In ancient China, it was also used as a powerful tool to remove negative energies and drive away the hazards of daily life. Tibetans consider amethyst sacred to the [[Buddhism|Buddha]] and make prayer beads from it. | The meaning of amethyst varies from time to time and culture, which is why amethyst has different meanings in [[Feng Shui]] and focuses on increasing wealth. In ancient China, it was also used as a powerful tool to remove negative energies and drive away the hazards of daily life. Tibetans consider amethyst sacred to the [[Buddhism|Buddha]] and make prayer beads from it. | ||
Anglican bishops wear an episcopal ring often set with an amethyst, an allusion to the description of the Apostles as "not drunk" at Pentecost in Acts 2:15. | Anglican bishops wear an episcopal ring often set with an amethyst, an allusion to the description of the Apostles as "not drunk" at Pentecost in Acts 2:15. | ||