The Amethyst has been valued throughout history, owing to its striking purple color. Once established as the birthstone for February, it has since become one of the most sought-after colored gemstones worldwide. Even though amethyst is a well-known stone, its formation and qualities are what really set it apart.
So, if we talk about what changes the color of Amethyst, then…
Three factors can cause amethyst to fade or change color: heat treatments, ultraviolet light, and water that contains specific minerals. Prevent heat treatments, minimize sun and UV light exposure, and never use harsh tap water to clean amethyst to prevent color fading.
Before we move forward, let’s discuss first that…
What Is Amethyst And Where it Come From?
Amethyst is a well-liked quartz variation forms in hollow rocks called geodes. One prismatic cluster above the geode base is home to this semi-precious stone1, which is found all over the world. The most common appearance of amethyst is as a six-sided crystal with a crust of crystals.
Now, before we talk about how Amethyst change its color, let’s discuss first that…
How Amethyst Gets Its Color?
Aluminum and iron impurities are the reason for this gem's purple color. Depending on the degree of the impurities, its color might vary from a deep purple to a lilac tint.
Now, let’s jump to the main question…
Can Amethyst Change Its Color?
Amethysts can indeed lose their color.
The majority of amethysts on the market now have undergone artificial treatment. This is done to increase the clarity overall and to successfully enhance their color. The amethyst is often subjected to intense heat in a controlled setting in order to accomplish this. It is typically processed at a temperature of between 400 and 500 degrees Celsius.
However, with time, the stone may fade and lose its color if exposed to strong or direct light. Particle physics is mostly to blame for this. Basically, one of two things can occur when a photon from a secondary source like sunshine, for example- hits an atom, one of two things can happen:
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A color-neutral atom will either reflect or absorb the photon as heat. Because photons have no color, the human eye is unable to discern this reflection.
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However, if the atom is color-charged, the photon will enter it and drive out the color-charged particles (also called quarks). Repeatedly going through this process causes the atom to finally run out of quarks, which causes the substance to fade overall.
Because the amethyst in this instance contains atoms that are charged with color, it will fade when exposed to intense light. If the amethyst stone is exposed to sunlight on a regular basis, it is typical for it to fade. When not in use, it's a good idea to store amethyst in a box or a dark place to stop the fading process.
When talk about intense light, let’s understand this that…
Why (UV) Sunlight Changes The Color Of Amethyst?
The natural purple color of amethyst is defined as a wavelength (545 nm), which is the predominant one of many wavelengths in amethyst's color band. Almost all gems and crystals have what some refer to as characteristics or fingerprints. One such unique feature is called a color center; color centers are atomic defects within the stone's crystal structure that filter light a little differently. A shift in wavelength of light can produce a different color as regions form.
The same process of exchanging electrons between the iron and oxygen components takes place throughout time and with repeated exposure. This may cause your stone to suddenly change color.
Important Tips To Keep In Mind
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The amethyst needs to be shielded from high temperatures in addition to direct sunlight exposure, since this can also cause discoloration or deterioration of the gemstone's color.
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Amethyst should not be cleaned with steam since the stone may fracture from the quick temperature change.
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Always wrap your amethyst jewelry in a soft cloth or store it in a box lined with cotton.
The most appealing thing about an amethyst is its color. You can make sure it stays radiant for many years to come by remembering the advice above.
By following the above advise, you can keep amethyst jewelry radiant for many years even if you have a question in mind that can you wear your amethyst everyday or not?
