Amethyst - unusual cactus style
stock #23.1-435
Boekenhoutshoek, Mkobola
Mpumalanga,
South Africa
7.5 x 6.8 x 4.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $440
An unusual form of especially choice quality that is a variation of the famed South African "cactus" Quartz. "Cactus" Quartz has been a staple at mineral shows for the past few years, so it takes something unusual to draw attention. This one does. Relatively slender prisms with dark purple terminations are covered with lighter violet druse of tiny Quartz. The druse is oriented in aligned rows of deeper and lighter colors, best seen in person. The purple prisms are on a matrix of orange to yellow drusy Quartz which adds a nice contrast and is an unusual combo. In fine undamaged condition all the tips are intact and sharp. The "cactus" Quartz supply has been sporadic for years and for more than a decade no new finds were made. Despite the quantity that has been found, really good or unusual pieces are quite special and deserve our respect. There is nothing else like these in the entire world and that is saying a lot since Quartz is so common in general.
Amethyst - unusual forms
stock #12.1-106
Karur
Tamil Nadu,
India
7.8 x 5.7 x 2.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $190
A cluster of Amethyst crystals on matrix with a mix of habits and forms. In excellent condition and with good color, luster and sharp forms. There are several doubly-terminated crystals and reversed scepters as well as a few other habits. The Karur area has a reputation for odd Amethysts and this shows some of that. With magnification it is possible to see many inclusions especially needles and hairs of red and yellow color.
Amethyst - modern classic
stock #15.1-821
Municipio Las Vigas de Ramirez
Veracruz,
Mexico
7.5 x 3.7 x 3 CM (cabinet)
price: $490
Early summer 2023
Two fine, gem clear and perfect Amethyst crystals stand on a thin matrix. Ex Doug Ervin collection, this is an older specimen from some of the first modern finds some decades ago. Las Vigas has become very well-known in the mineral world, there have been several outstanding finds from time to time, most being a little different from previous discoveries. Amethysts from Vera Cruz are among the very best of the world. This is a choice piece with especially vivid color and clarity.
A most unusual Quartz with a perfect stepped hexagonal cavity in place of the typical pointed termination. A very esthetic piece with no damage. From the amazing finds at Karur, this specimen has a complex matrix of Quartz, Calcite and Muscovite that holds the 4.2 CM main Quartz scepter. The upper section or head is a glassy deep purple Amethyst while the shaft is Smoky Quartz.
A row of gemmy sceptered Amethyst crystals showing fine form. From the remarkable and unique deposits in the Karur area of Tamil Nadu (India), these crystals show inclusions of red to golden needles of Lepidocrocite. A pretty piece with very bright purple color concentrated in the terminations. The terminations are well-defined and undamaged.
Amethyst - sceptered crystal
stock #21.1-219
Piedra Parada, Las Vigas
Veracruz,
Mexico
4.7 x 3.2 x 2.2 CM (miniature)
price: $160
New Year 22
A small, well-composed specimen of Amethyst perched on a contrasting matrix with a druse of greenish Epidote. From the prolific finds at Piedra Parada, the Amethyst is distinctly sceptered and in perfect condition. These Amethyst when they are perfect like this are one of the best current values in minerals. We hope the locality can continue to produce for a long while.
A super small cabinet specimen of a very sharp single Amethyst crystal on contrasting matrix. From the Veracruz finds at Piedra Parada which have been a fantastic source of beautiful yet affordable Amethyst. In perfect condition, the Amethyst is a deeper purple at the base and is lighter in color at the termination. It is also doubly terminated (part of the lower termination is in the matrix) and a small extension at the lower termination makes this technically a scepter though it is not obvious. The Amethyst is firmly attached to the matrix but only at a tiny point. It is clear from this why so few larger crystals in this area are still on matrix. The matrix is a drusy quartz with a yellow to greenish hue. The rich color and sparkle are hard to capture but they are better in person.
Amethyst - scepter
stock #AX7-210-(635)
Piedra Parada, Las Vigas
Veracruz,
Mexico
6 x 2.3 x 2.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $260
new year 2021
A fine, sharp and richly colored scepter from the great discoveries at Piedra Parada in Veracruz. This piece was in the Larry White Collection and retains his handmade wooden base. The termination has some skeletal or hoppered faces and some smooth faces. From most angles this looks perfect by naked eye but magnification shows some very small chips. Despite that this is far better condition and form than is typical for the locality.
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