Sparkling Amethyst Cactus Formation – Natural Mineral Specimen from Nashik, Maharashtra, India # B 5395

Features:

Primary Mineral: Amethyst
Size: 7 x 6 inches (17.8 x 15.2 cm)
Size Class: Large Cabinet
Weight: 4,248 g (9.4 lb)
Locality: Nashik, Maharashtra, India

A sculptural cactus amethyst from Nashik, in which larger crystals are coated with countless tiny lavender-purple points, building rounded, knobby forms above a pale gray chalcedony base. The fine overgrowth gives the whole surface a glittering, frosted sparkle.

Amethyst forms in gas cavities of the Deccan basalt flows, and its purple color comes from iron combined with natural irradiation. Cactus-style overgrowths, sometimes called spirit or cactus quartz, are a less common habit and add a great deal of texture.

At over 9 lb, it is a substantial large-cabinet display piece.