ENGLISH
REFERENCE

amethyst

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈæmɪθɪst// UK //ˈæmɪθˌɪst// amethyst

n. a purple stone that is used in jewelry. It is a type of quartz that can range from a light lavender to a deep violet color.

n. a violet or purple variety of quartz, often used as a gemstone. The coloration is typically attributed to irradiation, impurities of iron, and the presence of trace elements.


SIMPLE

She wore a beautiful ring with a large amethyst.

CONTEXTUAL

The museum's mineral collection features a massive geode lined with deep purple amethyst crystals.

COMPLEX

While historically ranked among the most precious gemstones, the discovery of large deposits in Brazil during the nineteenth century made amethyst significantly more accessible for contemporary jewelry design.

Origin

From the gemstone amethyst.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the mineral or color; countable when referring to individual gemstones or specific shades.

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