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Quartz is the most common mineral on the planet. It is a component of a huge variety of rock types, and comes in an extensive range of colors and varieties. Chalcedony is a crypto-crystalline variety of quartz and includes the agate and jasper families. Many colors of quartz or formations have their own names, such as amethyst for purple quartz.
Amethyst, a translucent purple variety of quartz, is one of the most popular colored gems. The birthstone of February, it was once believed to prevent the wearer from getting drunk, and when engraved with the circle of the sun or moon, it was thought to prevent death from poison. Available in shades from light to dark purple, it is relatively hard, fairly brilliant, and overall a good, versatile, wearable stone, although large sizes with deep color are now becoming scarce. Amethyst is probably one of the most beautiful stones available at a moderate price, although one must beware of "fine" amethyst that is produced synthetically today. Synthetic amethyst frequently exhibits color "zoning," which looks like chevrons. Even genuine amethyst may fade from heat and strong sunlight.
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