| Amethyst Spirit (Cactus) Quartz Magaliesburg Crystals |
| SpiritRock Shop |
| Item # MCA05093190 Cactus Drusy Quartz (Spirit Amethyst) Cluster $52.00 |
| Cactus Drusy Quartz (Spirit Amethyst) Cluster Cactus Drusy Quartz (Spirit Amethyst) is found only in the Magaliesberg Mountain Range in the Gauteng Province near Pretoria, South Africa. It's unmistakable formation of a main crystal covered with smaller drusy Amethyst colored crystals make this one of the most beautiful natural Amethyst Quartz specimens available. It was called "Spirit Quartz" or "Spirit Amethyst" by the South African tribal medicine men who used them for healing rituals. This superb specimen has multiple definite points with a beautiful lavender drusy covering. It also has the beginnings of more points visible from the bottom of this piece. It is complimented by multiple botryoidal shaped formations that are the beginnings of even more points. This Specimen weighs 0.96lb and measures 4.32" long x 3.24" wide x 2.69" high |
| Item # MCA0208007 Large Magaliesburg Spirit Amethyst Cluster $69.00 |
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Click on any photo to see a larger version
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Magaliesberg Crystals
The Magaliesberg is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world at 2300 million years old, or 100 times
the age of the Himalayas. The Magaliesberg Mountain Range is located in the Gauteng Province near
Pretoria, South Africa. The small crystals that encase the bases of larger crystals identify Magaliesberg
crystal, which forms as Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine or Ametrine, or even sometimes as a combination of these.
The variations in formation are probably due to the age of the Magaliesberg, and the fact that this range is
considered to be "the cradle of humankind".
A large number of the Magaliesberg crystals exhibit the properties of a "record keeper" (one or more raised
perfect triangles located on one or more of the crystal faces). Metaphysically a "record keeper" is a crystal
within which wisdom is stored, and from which the ancient knowledge and profound secrets of the universe
can be psychically retrieved. These amethyst rock specimens are being marketed as a brand new find but in
fact have been a well kept secret. They appear in the book "Minerals of South Africa" with a photo dating
back to 1987. The mine location of the digs has always been a closely kept secret and for some time these
unusual crystals disappeared into the "myths" of time. Suddenly they are available again.
Amethyst derives its name from the Greek word "amethystos" meaning "not drunk" or "not intoxicated". It is
one of the favorite gem-quality minerals found in the Quartz family. Its color ranges from light lilac or
lavender to the deep, rich, dark purples and violets...the latter (named Siberian Amethyst) being the most
sought after, especially when containing flashes of red. The lighter lilac and lavender specimens of
Amethyst have been nicknamed "Rose de France" by the gem trade. Experts believe Amethyst gets its
color from trace amounts of Iron (other theories attribute it to Manganese or hydrocarbons) present during
the formation of the Quartz. It is stated that "as much Iron as would fit on the head of a pin can color one
cubic foot of Quartz."
Amethyst is formed in silica-rich liquids deposited in gas cavities (geodes) in lava. It occurs in crystalline
masses. When conditions permit, it forms hexagonal crystals that are usually grown from a base. These
crystals are most often not well developed, and so are generally found as clusters of crystal points and are
called Amethyst Drusy. Although most commonly found in geodes, Amethyst is sometimes found as a
stalactite. When heated, Amethyst loses its color, so it is best to keep these crystals from extended
exposure to the sun. If heated intensely, the purple color of Amethyst will change to yellow...thus making it
Citrine. Most commercial Citrine is made in this manner. When natural Citrine and natural Amethyst grow
together in the same crystal they normally contain alternating bands of purple and orange/yellow and have
been given the name Ametrine.
Another interesting form of Amethyst clusters from the Magaliesberg area of South Africa are characterized
by tiny crystals that envelop the shaft of the main crystal, and have earned the names "Spirit Amethyst",
"Spirit Quartz", "Cactus Quartz", "Fairy Quartz", or "Angel Quartz".
The Magaliesberg is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world at 2300 million years old, or 100 times
the age of the Himalayas. The Magaliesberg Mountain Range is located in the Gauteng Province near
Pretoria, South Africa. The small crystals that encase the bases of larger crystals identify Magaliesberg
crystal, which forms as Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine or Ametrine, or even sometimes as a combination of these.
The variations in formation are probably due to the age of the Magaliesberg, and the fact that this range is
considered to be "the cradle of humankind".
A large number of the Magaliesberg crystals exhibit the properties of a "record keeper" (one or more raised
perfect triangles located on one or more of the crystal faces). Metaphysically a "record keeper" is a crystal
within which wisdom is stored, and from which the ancient knowledge and profound secrets of the universe
can be psychically retrieved. These amethyst rock specimens are being marketed as a brand new find but in
fact have been a well kept secret. They appear in the book "Minerals of South Africa" with a photo dating
back to 1987. The mine location of the digs has always been a closely kept secret and for some time these
unusual crystals disappeared into the "myths" of time. Suddenly they are available again.
Amethyst derives its name from the Greek word "amethystos" meaning "not drunk" or "not intoxicated". It is
one of the favorite gem-quality minerals found in the Quartz family. Its color ranges from light lilac or
lavender to the deep, rich, dark purples and violets...the latter (named Siberian Amethyst) being the most
sought after, especially when containing flashes of red. The lighter lilac and lavender specimens of
Amethyst have been nicknamed "Rose de France" by the gem trade. Experts believe Amethyst gets its
color from trace amounts of Iron (other theories attribute it to Manganese or hydrocarbons) present during
the formation of the Quartz. It is stated that "as much Iron as would fit on the head of a pin can color one
cubic foot of Quartz."
Amethyst is formed in silica-rich liquids deposited in gas cavities (geodes) in lava. It occurs in crystalline
masses. When conditions permit, it forms hexagonal crystals that are usually grown from a base. These
crystals are most often not well developed, and so are generally found as clusters of crystal points and are
called Amethyst Drusy. Although most commonly found in geodes, Amethyst is sometimes found as a
stalactite. When heated, Amethyst loses its color, so it is best to keep these crystals from extended
exposure to the sun. If heated intensely, the purple color of Amethyst will change to yellow...thus making it
Citrine. Most commercial Citrine is made in this manner. When natural Citrine and natural Amethyst grow
together in the same crystal they normally contain alternating bands of purple and orange/yellow and have
been given the name Ametrine.
Another interesting form of Amethyst clusters from the Magaliesberg area of South Africa are characterized
by tiny crystals that envelop the shaft of the main crystal, and have earned the names "Spirit Amethyst",
"Spirit Quartz", "Cactus Quartz", "Fairy Quartz", or "Angel Quartz".
| 1+LB Amethyst Spirit (Cactus) Quartz Crystal Cluster This gorgeous spirit or cactus quartz crystal from South Africa has sparkling lilac amethyst crystals with a citrine orange tinge. Excellent Specimen! Dimensions: 5.1 x 3 x 2.9 inches (131x76x74mm) Weight: 1 lb 6.8oz (646g) |
| Item # MCA05096305 Large Magaliesburg Spirit Amethyst Cluster $74.00 |
