Specimen at a glance
| Mineral | Quartz (var. amethyst) |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | SiO2 |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Locality | Brandberg, Namibia |
| You receive | The exact specimen pictured |
About this specimen
This small amethyst cluster hails from the legendary Brandberg Mountain region of Namibia, one of the world’s most celebrated sources of fine amethyst and smoky quartz. Brandberg amethyst is prized among collectors for its deep, saturated color zoning and the frequent presence of phantom growth patterns, chlorite inclusions, and smoky overtones that give each piece a moody, one-of-a-kind character.
This particular cluster displays a compact grouping of dark, richly colored amethyst points rising from a natural matrix base, with the smoky-to-purple gradient typical of material pulled from this locality. Brandberg’s amethyst forms in cavities within granite intrusions that were emplaced roughly 130 million years ago, with silica-rich fluids slowly crystallizing quartz enriched with trace iron to produce the violet hue.
A great little piece for a windowsill display, a crystal shelf, or anyone building a locality-specific mineral collection. Due to the natural formation process, no two Brandberg amethyst specimens are ever quite alike — this one is entirely one of a kind and the exact piece you will receive.
Amethyst: the science
- Take away either ingredient, the iron or the radiation, and the crystal stays colorless. Both are needed for purple.
- Amethyst’s color is heat-sensitive. At roughly 400 to 500 °C it turns yellow or orange, which is how most commercial citrine is made.
- Long exposure to strong sunlight can slowly fade amethyst, so collectors keep their best pieces out of the window.
Go deeper
Want the full story on amethyst: how it forms, how to identify it, and what makes a great specimen?
Questions about this piece
What is amethyst?
Amethyst is purple quartz. Its color comes from trace iron in the crystal combined with natural radiation from the surrounding rock.
Where was it found?
This piece comes from Brandberg, Namibia. We list a locality whenever it is known, because where a mineral formed is part of its story and its value.
How hard is it, and how should I care for it?
It rates 7 on the Mohs scale. Mohs 7. Display away from direct sunlight to protect the color. Rinse in lukewarm water and air dry, and avoid heat.
Is this the exact piece I will receive?
Yes. This listing was photographed individually, and you receive the exact piece shown in the photos.
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