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". 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. Most commercial Citrine is made in this manner. If heated intensely, the purple color of Amethyst will change to yellow.thus making it Citrine. When heated, Amethyst loses its color, so it is best to keep these crystals from extended exposure to the sun. Although most commonly found in geodes, Amethyst is sometimes found as a stalactite. These crystals are most often not well developed, and so are generally found as clusters of crystal points and are called Amethyst Drusy. When conditions permit, it forms hexagonal crystals that are usually grown from a base. It is stated that "as much Iron as would fit on the head of a pin can color one cubic foot of Quartz."Īmethyst is formed in silica-rich liquids deposited in gas cavities (geodes) in lava. 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. The lighter lilac and lavender specimens of Amethyst have been nicknamed "Rose de France" by the gem trade. 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. It is one of the favorite gem-quality minerals found in the Quartz family. Suddenly they are available again.Īmethyst derives its name from the Greek word "amethystos" meaning "not drunk" or "not intoxicated". 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. They appear in the book "Minerals of South Africa" with a photo dating back to 1987. These amethyst rock specimens are being marketed as a brand new find but in fact have been a well kept secret. 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. 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".Ī 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). 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 Magaliesberg Mountain Range is located in the Gauteng Province near Pretoria, South Africa. 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.
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