GEOLOGY

MINE SITE

GEOLOGY

This Amethyst is formed in a very unique way, which is more similar to Opal formation than Amethyst from other sources. Most Amethyst in the world market is formed in geodes. Amethyst crystals grow from the percolation of water with minerals dissolved within. However, Moroccan Amethyst forms because of a process called hydrothermal deposition.

In this process, hot water (hydrothermal), heated by magma or friction from the movement of tectonic plates, dissolves elements within it. Because the water is hot, it is able to dissolve more elements than it would at cooler temperatures. This water then washes over millions of years through the cavities in the rocks where it changes temperature. If it cools by moving away from the magma flow, the dissolved elements are deposited via a process called precipitation. If the water flow heats up above boiling point, then the water boils off, leaving the soluble elements behind. Significantly, in the case of Moroccan Amethyst, one of these elements includes iron which, alongside oxygen, forms the Hematite inclusions which give the gemstones from this source their unique red flashes.