Amethyst is a popular gemstone renowned for its beautiful purple color. While amethyst can be found in many locations around the world, some of the most prized and desirable amethyst comes from Russia. Russian amethyst, especially from the Ural Mountains, is famous for its deep, rich purple tones that are highly valued by jewelers and collectors alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at deep Russian amethyst – where it comes from, what makes it so special, and why it commands premium prices.
What is amethyst?
Amethyst is a variety of crystalline quartz that occurs naturally in shades of purple. Its color ranges from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. The most valuable and sought-after amethyst displays a strong, saturated color. The name “amethyst” comes from the ancient Greek word “amethystos” meaning “not drunk” – it was believed that the stone protected against intoxication. Chemically, amethyst is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2). Its purple color is produced by trace amounts of iron and other minerals present during its formation. Most commercially-available amethyst is heat treated to intensify and lighten its color. Untreated amethyst is rare and often displays zonation – alternating bands of light and dark purple.
What makes Russian amethyst special?
Amethyst from Russia is renowned for its deep, rich purple hues. The most famous source is the Ural Mountains, a rugged chain that forms part of the natural border between Europe and Asia. Mining in the Ural Mountains dates back to the 18th century when large amethyst deposits were first discovered. These geodes can yield individual crystals over 2 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. Ural Mountain amethyst forms in hollow bubbles inside basalt rock. Over millions of years, the cavities fill with silicon dioxide and trace minerals, slowly crystallizing into large amethyst geodes. The surrounding basalt helps filter out unwanted impurities, allowing the amethyst to form with an exceptionally clear, saturated color.
Key factors
There are several key factors that contribute to the deep color and quality of Russian amethyst:
- Trace mineral content – The presence of certain transition metals like iron during crystallization imparts a purple to violet hue. More iron leads to deeper purple tones.
- Clarity – Amethyst from Russia tends to have exceptional clarity and transparency, enhancing the intensity of its color.
- Cut – Proper cutting is essential to maximize color saturation. Russian amethyst is expertly cut to accentuate its desirable traits.
- Natural, untreated color – Most Russian amethyst is not heated or irradiated, preserving the natural zonation and richness of hue.
Color characteristics
So what exactly constitutes “deep Russian amethyst”? Here are the key color characteristics:
- Hue – Deep Russian amethyst displays a primary hue that ranges from red-violet to purple, with strong secondary blue undertones.
- Tone – The lightness or darkness of color is very dark, rated 5-7 on the standard color tone scale.
- Saturation – The intensity of color is extremely high, near the maximal saturation possible for amethyst.
- Uniformity – The best examples will exhibit a uniform color distribution rather than uneven patches or zonation.
| Amethyst Origin | Color Tone | Color Saturation |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Russian, Ural Mountains | 5-7 (very dark) | Very high, near maximal |
| Less Desirable Deposits | 2-4 (medium to light) | Moderate to low |
This combination of extremely dark tone and exceptional saturation is what characterizes the finest deep Russian amethyst and makes it so valuable.
How is color determined?
Gemologists use several methods to objectively determine the color characteristics of amethyst and other colored stones.
Visual analysis
Experienced gemologists can identify deep Russian amethyst simply by examining it under standardized lighting conditions and comparing it to a color grading system like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color scale. Certain labs like the GIA also issue certificates verifying the quality and authenticity of high-end amethyst based on expert gemological analysis.
Spectroscopy
Specialized laboratory equipment can measure the precise wavelengths of light absorbed and transmitted by amethyst. This spectroscopy reveals important data about the chemical composition and microscopic structural attributes that determine gemstone color. Advanced instruments like spectrophotometers and spectroscopes help quantify saturation, hue, and uniformity far more accurately than the naked eye.
Geographic sourcing
Determining the geographic origin of amethyst also provides clues about color depth. Certificates from reputable gem labs will often include the source location if it can be reliably determined. Unheated, untreated amethyst from the Ural Mountains offers reasonable assurance that it will possess the deep purple hues associated with premium Russian amethyst.
What causes the different color grades of amethyst?
Not all amethyst is created equal. Here are the main factors that determine the overall color grade:
Trace mineral content
– Iron content is the most important factor affecting violet and purple hues. More iron leads to darker saturation.
– Other trace elements like manganese can influence the secondary undertones.
Structural defects
-Growth interruptions and lattice defects inside the crystal structure can limit the depth of color.
Clarity
-Internal flaws and inclusions block transparency, reducing color intensity. The highest clarity graded amethyst has few visible inclusions.
Cut quality
-Well-cut facets maximize light return and color uniformity. Poor cutting can expose unwanted tones and zones.
Treatments
-Heating, irradiation, and other treatments lighten color and create undesirable color concentrations. UntreatedRussian amethyst has natural zonation.
What are the different grades of amethyst?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recognizes seven color grades for amethyst based on hue, tone, and saturation:
| Amethyst Grade | Color Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Deep Russian | Very dark tone, highest saturation |
| Russian | Dark tone, very high saturation |
| Siberian | Medium-dark tone, high saturation |
| Uruguayan | Medium tone, moderate saturation |
| Rio Grande | Medium light tone, moderate saturation |
| Arizona | Light tone, moderate saturation |
| African | Very light tone, low saturation |
Deep Russian grade represents the top tier of amethyst quality, with the darkest purple coloration and highest saturation. The additional geographical designations indicate other major global sources and their typical color characteristics.
What is the price range for deep Russian amethyst?
Due to its scarcity and prestigious status in the gem trade, deep Russian amethyst commands premium prices, especially for larger stones with ideal color and clarity:
- One carat stones may cost $150-500 per carat on average.
- Premium 3-5 carat stones can sell for $1,000 to $5,000 per carat.
- Flawless specimens over 5 carats may exceed $10,000 per carat.
- Large cut stones of 100 carats or more can fetch over $100,000 at fine auction houses.
Factors like cut quality, carat weight, treatments, and source locality can all significantly impact the price. Top grade deep Russian amethyst remains an expensive, coveted gem even relative to other colored stones like sapphire or ruby. The highest prices are paid by discerning collectors seeking the ultimate in natural, untreated deep purple amethyst.
How can you identify deep Russian amethyst?
Here are some tips for identifying authentic deep Russian amethyst:
– Examine color in natural light – True deep Russian will display a rich violet-red purple, even in shade.
– Check for uniform saturation – Color should be evenly distributed without light or dark patches.
– Look for natural growth patterns – Unheated Russian amethyst exhibits characteristic banding and pyramidal zones.
– Review any lab reports – Reputable grading certificates can verify Russian origin and untreated color.
– Buy from trusted dealers – They will disclose geographic source, treatments, and provide expert gemological screening.
– Consider the price – Authentic material sold as premium deep Russian amethyst will have appropriate market value pricing.
– Trust your instincts – With experience, the exceptional quality and depth of fine Russian amethyst becomes more apparent.
How rare and valuable is deep Russian amethyst?
True deep Russian amethyst is exceptionally rare and valuable for several reasons:
- Restricted supply – Relatively few economically viable deposits exist, mostly in the Ural Mountains.
- Strict grading – Only a small fraction of Russian amethyst meets the criteria for “deep” grade.
- High demand – Collectors compete fiercely to acquire top gem-quality specimens, especially larger stones.
- Production challenges – Cleaving and cutting very dark amethyst is difficult, limiting usable facets and carat weights.
- Treatment prevalence – Most commercial amethyst is heated or irradiated, making natural-color Russian material more prized.
These factors combine to make fine deep Russian amethyst considerably more scarce and expensive than ordinary material. For collectors obsessed with acquiring the very best, the pursuit of flawless, untreated Russian amethyst often becomes a lifelong passion.
Conclusion
Deep Russian amethyst represents the pinnacle of purple quartz gemstones. Its unrivaled depth of color, extremely dark saturation, and dazzling brilliance set it apart as one of the world’s most desirable collector gemstones. Carefully sourced from the Ural Mountains, the best Russian amethyst displays an exquisite violet hue that has captivated jewelry connoisseurs for centuries. For the fortunate few who can procure these rare gems, deep Russian amethyst offers an enduring legacy of natural beauty.