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, 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.
More chevron amethyst photos
Common questions
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Find chevron amethyst on the map
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