Quartz var. Amethyst

Unknown Owner

The Valenciana mine, a little to the north of Guanajuato city, in the State of Guanajuato, central Mexico, is a gold and silver mine which was discovered in 1771. The mine records an interesting variety of 25 mineral species and amongst these is Amethyst, the purple variety of Quartz. This particular specimen is a true beauty, being a much richer colour than than those this mine usually produces, yet not unique. This single, 7.9 cm tall tapered crystal is of an exquisite bluish-violet, grading from translucent to gemmy, especially in the main body of the crystal. The habit is what can be referred to as sprouting quartz, where small daughter crystals sprout from the crystal faces, in this example pointing upwards towards the termination. This is an excellent example of Amethyst Quartz from the Valenciana mine and of stunning colour.