But does this stone’s durability match its good looks? That’s what we’re going to talk about in today’s article.
What is the Amethyst?
A member of the quartz mineral clan, the amethyst is a popular semi-precious gemstone. It is found all over the world in different shades, ranging from pale lilac to a dark reddish-purple. This colour difference is based on the amount of iron and aluminium impurities present within the gem’s chemical structure.
The amethyst is also prized for being the February birthstone and for its association with contentment and spirituality.
Back to the main question, is it durable?
Yes, to a certain extent.
This purple jewel has a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness and zero gemstone cleavage. So while it won’t break easily, it can still get damaged if hit hard enough. That said, a great way to give your stone some extra protection is to pair it with the right metal and setting.
Which is the best metal for this gem?
Platinum of course!
This silverish-white metal is as precious as the gemstone itself. Its incredible strength provides an extra layer of protection to the amethyst and reduces the overall maintenance required for your accessory.
Other USPs
- Hypoallergenic: Unlike many other metals, platinum is hypoallergenic in nature. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
- Sophistication: Platinum does not just complement all skin tones, but also exudes a sophisticated appeal, which gives the entire piece a rich look.
- Low maintenance: As it does not rust, this metal is sure to last for a long time with little to no maintenance required.
- Highlights the gem’s hue: The subtle shine of this precious metal puts the spotlight on the vividness of the amethyst, making it the centre of attention.
Which setting works well with this gemstone?
We suggest opting for extra-protective settings, like the channel and bezel. These options work by entirely surrounding the jewel with metal, and creating a safety barrier.
Care Tips
1. Store properly
Harder gemstones could scratch your amethyst if not stored properly. Not only that, but exposure to intense heat and light could also dull the colour of this gem over a period of time. To avoid this, place your amethyst jewellery in a velvet-lined case or a soft cloth pouch away from your other jewels and store it in a cool, dark area.
2. Avoid chemicals
The chemicals present in your everyday items, such as perfumes, hair sprays, cosmetics, household cleaners, etc. can harm your amethyst jewellery. Also, the chlorine present in swimming pools is not safe for this gem. So keep your amethyst jewellery away from them as much as possible.
3. Get it cleaned
You can visit a professional jeweller, at least once a year, for a thorough clean-up of your amethyst jewellery piece. However, if you wish to clean it at home then an ultra-mild soap water solution and gentle scrubbing using a soft cloth should do the trick.
With its luxurious aura, the amethyst is one gemstone that never fails to fascinate. And now that you know how to keep it safe, your accessory is sure to last for a long time.
Also Read: Which Gemstones Are The Most Durable?
