Amethyst Beaded Earrings

Amethyst is a naturally-occurring, macrocrystalline (meaning large crystal formations) variety of quartz. Geodes containing amethyst crystals are formed when clay, silt, sand or gravel are deposited and compacted by running water. Some of the largest amethyst geodes have been found in Brazil. Other locations where amethyst is mined include Sri Lanka, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, Germany, Australia, Mexico, Africa, Russia and the United States. Were amethyst less abundant, it would be even more highly-prized -- and expensive!