Amethyst information
	Chemistry: SiO2 , Silicon dioxide Class: Silicates Subclass: Tectosilicates Group: Quartz Uses: Silica for glass, electrical components, optical lenses, abrasives, gemstones, ornamental stone, building stone, etc. Luster: Glassy to vitreous as crystals, while cryptocrystalline forms are usually waxy to dull but can be vitreous. Transparency: Crystals are transparent to translucent, cryptocrystalline forms can be translucent or opaque. Crystal System: Trigonal; 3 2. Crystal Habits: Widely variable but the most common habit is hexagonal prisms terminated with a six sided pyramid (actually two rhombohedrons). Three of the six sides of the pyramid may dominate causing the pyramid to be or look three sided. Left and right handed crystals are possible and identifiable only if minor trigonal pyramidal faces are present. Druse forms (crystal lined rock with just the pyramids showing) are also common. Massive forms can be just about any type but common forms include botryoidal, globular, stalactitic, crusts of agate such as lining the interior of a geode and many many more. Cleavage: Very weak in three directions (rhombohedral). Fracture: Conchoidal. Hardness: 7, less in cryptocrystalline forms. Specific Gravity: 2.65 or less if cryptocrystalline. (average) Streak: White. Other Characteristics: Striations on prism faces run perpendicular to C axis, piezoelectric (see tourmaline) Index of refraction: 1.55. Reviews
	Amethyst is one of the most beautiful of the true gemstones. It symbolises the Age of Aquarius - a time of peace and tranquility in the world. The purple variety of quartz SiO2, its colour can vary from very light to very dark. All shades can add a touch of enchantment to anyone's jewellery collection. The Greek had a word for it! Amethystos translates loosely as not drunken . They believed Amethyst to be a strong protection against drunkenness, overindulgence, and poison. Wine goblets were often carved from it! The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety. According to Greek legend, Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was angered one day by an insult from a mere mortal. He swore revenge on the next mortal that crossed his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wish. Along came unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. Diana turned Amethyst into a stature of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears stained the quartz purple, giving birth to the gem we know, and love, today. Click on More for technical specifics of Amethyst.