Amethyst has been known as the most highly prized form of quartz. It is the presence of manganese in quartz that produces the purple color, and iron content varies the coloration. Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and is a popular gemstone. If it were not for its widespread availability, amethyst would be very expensive.

Amethyst ranges in color from pale lilac to deep purple. The deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes. One must be careful because "fine" amethyst is being produced synthetically today. Amethyst may fade from heat and strong sunshine.