Specimen #1672

Name: "Cactus" Amethyst

Type: Mineral

Locality: Boekenhoutshoek Area, Mkobola Dist., Mpumalanga Prov., South Africa

Favorite? N

Fluorescent? N

Size: 11.8 x 9.9 x 6.3 cm

Weight: 651

Acquired: 2009-10-15

Source: Arkenstone Auction

Label: N

Comment: A dramatic and striking CABINET amethyst specimen. Gorgeous, glassy, translucent to transparent, purple crystals of amethyst proudly stand side by side. The large crystal is 7.0 cm. The crystals really sparkle and are called "cactus quartz" for their form. The terminations are isolated, while the bodies have a prickly, "cactus" look with an overgrowth of smaller crystals. This is the true source for the amethystine quartz crystals (aka "cactus quartz" and "spirit quartz") erroneously marketed as being from the Magaliesberg Range. A lovely example with great color and the iron oxide inclusions are a very nice accent. Complete all-around and pristine, except for the periphery wear. This impressive large piece has many displayable views, as you can see. Excellent and very showy material. Photograph does not quite get the subtle colors of this specimen correctly.

Minerals: Amethyst Quartz (SiO₂)

There are 3 pictures on file

M01672-01.jpg:

Amethyst, Boekenhoutshoek Area, Mkobola Dist., Mpumalanga Prov., South Africa - 11.8 x 9.9 x 6.3 cm

M01672-02.jpg:

Amethyst, Boekenhoutshoek Area, Mkobola Dist., Mpumalanga Prov., South Africa - 11.8 x 9.9 x 6.3 cm

M01672-03.jpg:

Amethyst, Boekenhoutshoek Area, Mkobola Dist., Mpumalanga Prov., South Africa