Amethyst << AM uh thihst >> is a purple or bluish-violet gem. It is used to make rings, necklaces, and brooches. The amethyst is a variety of quartz. The color of the amethyst is believed to be caused by impurities such as iron and manganese. Amethysts have been mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Siberia, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Mexico, and Canada. The amethyst is the birthstone for February. The Oriental amethyst is a purple variety of the mineral corundum. See also Birthstone.
