Quartz var. Amethyst ex Meieran

Item Description

The Anahi Mine in Bolivia is most famous for ametrine, the unique amethyst/citrine zoned hybrid that has been marketed as a fancy gemstone for years. Crystals of ametrine also occur here, as do sharp and fine crystals of pure amethyst itself. This is a very sharp, balanced cluster from finds in the early 2000s when a large cavern of this style was hit. It was hiked out by mule to a river boat and exported the long and hard way. This would be considered a "small" cluster from the find, although for many of us it already is a cabinet-sized specimen. Compared to the care taken with large pieces for the decor market, and valued highly at the time, relatively fewer small clusters were recovered. Many single points came out because they were easier to collect, easier to carry down the mountain in bags, and could be easily polished later for the public market of polished and carved material. But, undamaged crystal clusters like this required more care, time, wrapping, and effort to bring out. So, they remain rare relative to single points. This one has no damage, just a contact where another crystal grew against the rightmost crystal on front; and is complete as you see it. From the Gene Meieran Quartz collection. Valued $4500-5000.