Amethyst, Citrine Spirit (Cactus) Quartz... Magaliesburg 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."
How Amethyst is Formed
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".
KwaNdebele Spirit Quartz
KwaNdebele (or place of the Ndebele) is an area of 1 970 km² (761 sq mi) that lies in the north-eastern side of South Africa, about 180 Km (112 mi) from Johannesburg and was zoned as a semi-independent homeland for the Ndebele people in the late 1970's. The homeland was granted self-rule in April 1981. KwaNdebele legislature expressed interest in seeking independence in May 1982 and some preparations were made, but an exceptional lack of viability in economic affairs along with land disputes prevented this from occurring. KwaNdebele was re-integrated into South Africa in April 1994. It now forms part of the Mpumalanga province.
This area is well-known for its cactus quartz that occurs in shades from clear to citrine (caused by iron oxide coating) and amethyst. The local miners did not understand the meaning of 'amethyst', so two of the main buyers asked these miners whether they had crystals for sale that had the color of spirits (referring to methylated spirits). Subsequently the local miners then started calling these 'spirits quartz'. Not always knowing the origin of this description, eventually people started talking about 'spirit' quartz.
Item # 73WSQC021869201S225
Exceptional Large Cabinet White Spirit Cactus Quartz Cluster from KwaNdebele South Africa
White Spirit Cactus Quartz Cluster
A brilliant clear-white spirit quartz cluster that has been professionally cleaned. This piece is absolutely stunning. These natural white specimens are very much in demand worldwide. This superb specimen has over a dozen large definite Quartz points in a base of quartz and citrine.. It also has smaller "cactus" points visible over the entire surface of this piece. It is truly an attention getter. This specimen was procured direct from a mineral dealer in South Africa and shipped direct to us. This is a very fine large cabinet collection piece.
This Specimen weighs 62.7 oz or 3.92 lbs (1.785 kg) and measures 7.4 x 4 x 3.4 inches (18.9 x 10.1 x 8.6cm)
Item # 75WSQC02183936S149
Desirable Large Cabinet White Spirit Cactus Quartz Cluster from KwaNdebele South Africa
White Spirit Cactus Quartz Cluster
A brilliant clear-white spirit quartz cluster that has been professionally cleaned. This piece is absolutely stunning. These natural snow white specimens are very much in demand worldwide. This superb specimen has over a dozen large and small definite Quartz points in a base of quartz and citrine.. It also has smaller "cactus" points visible over the entire surface of this piece. It is truly a special collectors specimen! This specimen was procured direct from a mineral dealer in South Africa and shipped directly to us. This is a very fine large cabinet collection piece.
This Specimen weighs 36.3 oz or 2.27 lbs (1.03 kg) and measures 5.3 x 3.9 x 2.9 inches (13.5 x 9.9 x 7.4cm)
Item # 76PASQ02187734S89
Sparkling Large Cabinet Spirit Amethyst Plate from South Africa
Sparkling Clear and Purple zoned Spirit Amethyst Plate
Large Cabinet clear and zoned purple spirit amethyst cluster plate with classic and traditional crystals with beautiful points surrounded by cactus crystal points that further enhance the stunning beauty of this special specimen. This is a classic collectors specimen. This specimen was procured direct from a mineral dealer in South Africa and shipped directly to us. This is a very fine large cabinet collection piece.
This Specimen weighs 27.1 oz or 1.69 lbs (769g) and measures 5.8 x 4.2 x 2.1 inches (15 x 10.5 x 5.5 cm)
Spirit Quartz with small Pyrite inclusions from the Boekenhouthoek deposit in South Africa
The Boekenhoutshoek area (Boekenhouthoek), Mkobola, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga, South Africa
These quartz specimens are found in the Bushveld Complex rocks approximately 70 km northeast of Pretoria. The upper parts of the Bushveld Complex are composed of granites and felsic rocks that are subdivided into three units from oldest to youngest, the volcanic Rooiberg Group, the Rashoop Granophyre Suite and finally the Lebowa Granite Suite which intrudes into both of the above.
The Rashoop Granophyre Suite is the host rock to the quartz veins and quartz / amethyst crystals at Boekenhouthoek and Mathys Zyn Loop. A large area around this village is the true source for the amethystine quartz crystals (aka "cactus quartz" and "spirit quartz") erroneously marketed as being from the Magaliesberg range.