How Clarity Affects the Value of Amethyst.
Clarity refers to the amount of “inclusions” or impurities there are in a stone. If you can see through the stone with an unobstructed view of the bottom facets (called the pavilion), it is a clear stone. Inclusions are usually another mineral that has been trapped inside the crystal as it was forming. Clarity is also affected by internal cracks.Generally speaking, the clearer the stone, the more valuable it is. Amethyst of poor clarity (many inclusions) is very common. Amethyst often have cloudy inclusions or bands of other minerals inside them. Amethyst of this clarity is usually cut into cabochons or beads. Since amethyst is not very rare, and large clear peices of it are prevalent, it should be possible to find fine perfectly clear stones even on an average budget.
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| Very Poor Clarity: This amethyst is full of many tiny inclusions that make it look almost opaque. We can hardly see into the stone at all. Because of its poor clarity, it was cut en cabochon instead of faceted. | Poor Clarity: This amethyst has better clarity than the previous one: we can see into parts of the stone and see light reflected inside it. However there are many prominent inclusions which make the clarity very poor still, though some could argue the inclusions add interest. | Ok Clarity: These amethysts are mostly clear. The lower gemstone has several obvious inclusions but they still have better clarity than the other preceeding stones. | Good Clarity: Here is a very clear amethyst. We can see into the stone completely and there are no visible inclusions. Amethysts like this are the most valuable, though even perfectly clear stones are not so rare. When buying amethyst, perfect clarity is usual affordable. |
