Quartz var. Amethyst

Item Description

This gorgeous and rather large Amethyst specimen is an intensely colored example from the classic finds from early 2000s, showing complex Amethyst in multiple generations of growth that is termed "cactus quartz" by the locals from this remote area of South Africa. This large plate is bristling with at least three dozen spectacular and intricate crystals of transparent to translucent, rich purple Amethyst showing two generations of growth. All of the Quartz prisms show a preferential, second generation overgrowth of smaller sparkling crystals on the prism faces of the large crystals leaving the splendid, and perfectly formed, terminations bare! All of the terminations though show a wonderful grape-purple spot at the tip! There were once thousands of these on the market, but even then, this kind of combination of color, sparkle, and aesthetics would have placed this piece at a rare quality level for the size. It has a remarkable balance, deep color, and is complete 360 degrees all around. Again, although there were many, the qualities of this set it apart then, as they do today still. The color is a rich amethyst with a hint of maroon. Pieces of this size and quality were never common, even 20 years ago when they came out. Now, they are extremely rare, and generally valued in the $5-10k range when they turn up - this being, for quality, condition, luster and aesthetics, certainly at the top of that range.