10.9" Unique Quartz Crystal Cluster With Wood Base - Uruguay

This is a gorgeous quartz crystal cluster from the famous mines near Artigas, Uruguay. It features many shimmering quartz crystals that encrust large calcite crystals. This calcite and quartz association can be seen by looking at what could be considered the underside of the specimen. The quartz crystals have a very faint purple hue to them, however i wouldn't consider it enough of a color difference to categorize it as amethyst.

This cluster is accompanied by a metal base which contains a metal "arm" that holds the quartz in place. The wood base is 9.6" long by 6.9" wide and including the base, the entire specimen stands 9.4" tall.

While Brazil is a much more prolific producer of amethyst, the amethyst mined near Artigas, Uruguay tends to be much darker with higher quality crystals. We import our material directly from the mines in Uruguay, allowing us to offer it at better retail prices than anyone else. We carry a large variety of geodes, amethyst clusters, and collector quality crystal formations.

Amethyst being mined in Uruguay from the hard volcanic rock.
Amethyst being mined in Uruguay from the hard volcanic rock.


Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz (SiO2) that owes its violet color to natural irradiation, iron impurities, and the presence of trace elements, resulting in complex crystal lattice substitutions. It is considered a semi-precious gemstone, and just two centuries ago was considered to have a value on par with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. The largest and best known amethyst deposits occur in southern Brazil and Uruguay, but many localities around the world produce an amazing variety of amethyst crystals and formations.


SOLD
DETAILS
SPECIES
Quartz & Calcite
LOCATION
Artigas, Uruguay
SIZE
10.9 x 8" (not including wood base)
CATEGORY
ITEM
#118167