Amethyst

Amethyst's worth varies. It's usually affordable, but high-quality, deep-colored stones can be more valuable.

Amethyst is found worldwide, with main sources being Brazil, Uruguay, and Africa.

Real amethyst has a rich purple color and is transparent. A gemologist can confirm if it's real with tests.

Amethyst is formed in geodes when silica-rich solutions enter cavities in rocks and slowly crystallize.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February.

Amethyst symbolizes peace, protection, and tranquility. It's often associated with spiritual growth.

Clean amethyst in warm soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse and dry. It's fairly hard, but avoid exposure to heat.

Amethyst is a pretty hard gemstone, scoring a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. That means it's durable enough for everyday wear, but it's not as hard as diamond, which scores a 10. So, while it can resist scratches better than many other stones, it's still possible to scratch it, especially with harder gems or materials.