Gemstone profile and identification guide

Chevron Amethyst

Chevron amethyst is an amethyst-quartz banded variety characterized by angular purple-white zoning.

7 Mohs Purple, White Silicate (Quartz Amethyst Variety)

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Overview

Chevron amethyst is an amethyst-quartz banded variety characterized by angular purple-white zoning.

Did you know? Chevron banding reflects repeated growth phases during crystal formation.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Chevron Amethyst

Scientific classification: Silicate (Quartz Amethyst Variety)

Hardness: 7 Mohs

Transparency: translucent

Lustre: vitreous

Crystal system: Trigonal

Primary colour: Purple

Secondary colour: White

Colour family: Purples

Purple-white V-band pattern in quartz host distinguishes chevron amethyst.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Trade-name entries include conservative composition/treatment disclosures where needed.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: hard

Hardness value: 7 Mohs

Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Crystal system: Trigonal

Common locations: Brazil, India, Russia, Zambia

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Banded amethyst and white quartz with V-shaped chevron zoning.

Optical effects: Banded Chevron Pattern

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Quartz (amethyst banded variety)

Mineral group: Quartz group

Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Mohs hardness: 7

Crystal system: Trigonal

Lustre: vitreous

Transparency: translucent

Streak: White

Cleavage: None

Fracture: Conchoidal

Specific gravity: 2.65

Refractive index: 1.544-1.553

Optical phenomena: Chevron banding

Colour range: Purple and white zoned bands

Common inclusions: Growth zoning, veils, fluid inclusions

Geological environment: Hydrothermal quartz vein and geode systems

Principal mining regions: Brazil, India, Russia, Zambia

Important commercial sources: Chevron amethyst is sourced from major amethyst localities including Brazil and India

Historical significance: Popular decorative amethyst variety in modern lapidary trade.

Common treatments: Generally untreated; dyed/irradiated products can occur in market.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed quartz and synthetic amethyst imitations exist.

Common look-alikes: Banded fluorite, dyed quartz composites

Jewellery uses: Used in carvings, cabochons, beads, and decorative crystals.

Care recommendations: Durable quartz; avoid prolonged high heat that can alter amethyst color.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Chevron Amethyst.

Formation

Forms in hydrothermal quartz growth with episodic color zoning and banding.

Origin

Chevron amethyst is sourced from major amethyst localities including Brazil and India

Uses

Best for: Used in carvings, cabochons, beads, and decorative crystals.

Ideal uses: Pattern-forward decorative and jewelry applications.

Care

Durable quartz; avoid prolonged high heat that can alter amethyst color.

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