Quartz var. Amethyst

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With a beautiful aesthetic all their own, these South African Amethyst specimens are quite well-known to collectors. Lovingly referred to as "Cactus Quartz", the center spires are actually Amethyst scepters, with the tallest one here being about 3.8 cm. The scepters are girdled by gorgeous, glassy, translucent to transparent, rich purple Amethyst crystals that impart an amazing sparkle to the piece. When lit well, there is even a hint of red from small amounts of Hematite inclusions which add an eerie, yet eye-catching, reddish glow. Erroneously marketed on old labels to hide the location, and stuck in my head as being from the Magaliesberg Range, these Boekenhoutshoek Amethysts are instantly recognizable and absolutely unique for their beauty and exotic form. This attractive cabinet piece looks like a forest of Amethyst trees dancing across a ridge, and it is a fine example of these specimens in the size range with very good color. This dates to finds circa 2000.