Grape Amethyst Sphere

The specimen offered here is a 360° example of newer grape agate material, with nooks and crannies that give the appearance of peering into the interior of a distant planet.

Often used in jewelry, amethyst is a type of lavender quartz deriving its purple hues from iron impurities, traces of other elements, and exposure to radiation. Displaying a dazzling complex crystal lattice pattern, the name amethyst comes from the Greek word for "intoxicate".

While quartz (silicon oxide) may be the second most common mineral present in the Earth’s crust, many rare and unusual varieties offer opportunities for collectors. From the royal purple and golden hues of amethyst and citrine, to the intense turquoise and apple green of chrysocolla and chrysoprase, quartz has an incredible spectrum of available colors. Rare and unusual crystal forms such as scepters, gwindels, faden, elestial, and “spirit” quartzes create incredibly diverse aesthetics. As a prime component within many of the great crystalline environments, quartz is also a frequent partner to and basis for other mineral growth.