Beautiful, Smoky Amethyst Crystal with Calcite - Namibia

This is a beautiful mineral specimen containing an association of quarts var. smoky amethyst, branching from a rocky matrix covered in both rhombohedral and pointed calcite crystals. The matrix has flat sides, allowing for aesthetic display in whichever orientation is desired.

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz (SiO2) that owes its violet color to natural gamma irradiation, iron impurities, and the presence of trace elements, which result in complex crystal lattice substitutions. It is considered a semi-precious gemstone, and just two centuries ago was considered to have a value on par with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. The largest and best known amethyst deposits occur in southern Brazil and Uruguay, where they are found in hydrothermally-formed geodes, but many localities around the world produce an amazing variety of amethyst crystals and formations. They are almost always formed in medium- to high-temperature geological settings.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Quartz var. Amethyst/Smoky & Calcite
LOCATION
Goboboseb Mountains, Brandberg Area, Namibia
SIZE
Crystal 1.6", Matrix 3.6x3.1x2.4"
ITEM
#46019