Amethyst is a natural stone. Its color is generated by the concentration of iron in the stone, but its origin is not very certain, since there are several theories about the formation of its deposits in the north of Uruguay. On the one hand, it is believed that about 130 million years ago, with the separation of the continents in the desert that existed in the area at that time, there was a great volcanic explosion with a lava spill. The contact of the latter with the sand caused a release of gases that, when cooled, generated holes within the stone, into which the sand was inserted, generating amethyst or agate geodes, which are different types of quartz. Other theories hold that the solidified lava was affected by the presence of water rich in the quartz mineral. In ancient times, amethyst geodes were prized for their healing and mystical properties. They are stones that can range from a few kilograms to more than 10 tons. Due to their color and purity, they are used in special pieces of jewelry, as well as for ornamental and decorative purposes. The largest ones are displayed in hotels and parks, it is used for feng shui. Uruguayan amethysts are among the best known in the world. Indeed, Uruguay is recognized as one of the most producing countries of this type of stone in the world. The deposits are located 70 kilometers south of the city of Artigas, in the northernmost department of the country. There are four extraction zones there, however, it is in the only department where there are deposits. Extraction is done in the open air and through tunnels.