Amethyst with unusual cross Hematite inclusion

Item Description

This specimen is part of the 2021 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 23, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.

A strange amethyst showing oriented internal growth patterns, resulting in a 1.5 x 1.4 cm cross shape within. What kind of internal order can cause such a pattern? is it a twinning? We really cannot explain it...never seen one quite like this. The crystal has inclusions of both hematite and a clay mineral, that create a colorful cloud floating within the surface 5 mm on one face, spilling over to some side faces. Centered perfectly within that floating veil of inclusions, is the clear zone that presents as a cross shape. We simply have no idea how that would form, as the crystal was forming itself. So, a strange quartz perhaps with a story to tell! Donation to Symposium Auction.