Amethyst is a violet form of quartz often used in jewelry.  The name comes from Ancient Greek a- meaning not, and methustos- meaning intoxicated, a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness.   Amethyst belongs to the quartz family and is composed primarily of silica, Si02.  Amethyst crystals are found in vertical, hollow gas tubes or cavities that formed in molten magma.. The gas tube then became filled with silica-bearing solutions.  This caused the amethyst to grow very slowly and line the inside walls of the gas tubes.  Druse is a geological term for a rock with a coating or incrustation of crystals on its surface.  Amethyst is a very popular semi-precious stone and is used for faceting and jewelry making.  Natural amethyst is a light purple color. Picture is representative of the specimen you will receive.  Each rock is unique and will vary in shape, size and appearance.  No two rocks will be exactly alike. Origin: South America AmethystComposition: SiO2.Hardness: 7.0.Specific gravity: 2.65.Crystal Habit: 6-sided prism ending in 6 sided pyramid (typical).Melting Point:  1650+/- 75 degrees Celsius.Contains 1 chunk of amethyst measuring about 2 inches in length and weighing 2-3 ounces. Ages 8 and up