Amethyst - A Beautiful Gem

Amethysts are a form of crystalline quartz. Amethyst crystals in nature can be quite large. The characteristic purple color of amethyst is a result of two secondary elements - manganese and iron. Manganese causes the stone to be purple in color. The iron content influences the intensity of the color. Darker colored stones are rarer are more expensive than lighter colored specimens. Recently however, the lighter colored Rose of France has become quite popular in jewelry designs. It is a February gemstone and is common in sterling pendants and other fine as well as costume jewelry. Amethysts are strong stones and as such, requite minimal care. These stones can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner. Or, they can be cleaned using warm water, a gentle soap, and soft cloth. Prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight may alter the color of the stone.