Chevron Amethyst is a distinct variety of quartz featuring characteristic V-shaped banding formed by the intergrowth of purple amethyst and white milky quartz. It is typically found in massive, non-crystalline forms that take a high polish, making it a favorite for lapidary work and carved decorative items.
Is this chevron amethyst?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch chevron amethyst with a known reference. Chevron Amethyst sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chevron Amethyst leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chevron Amethyst typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: purple, white, violet.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Chevron Amethyst vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chevron amethyst
Minerals reported to co-occur with chevron amethyst. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SiO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 2.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Decorative, Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $5-50 per tumbled piece or specimen
Where rockhounds find chevron amethyst
Classic worldwide localities
- Brazil
- India
- South Africa
- Madagascar
- Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where chevron amethyst typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, goethite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find chevron amethyst on the map
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