Quartz

specimen number:
2062558

location:
Chiredzi, Masvingo, Zimbabwe

description:
An attractive loose gem smoky purple crystal of quartz, this the variety many call amethyst. This is in good condition with just slight micro-damage on the backside of the top termination. Complete all around. Specimen comes with a previous collection label from Ray DeMark.

The amethyst deposits of the Chiredzi district in the Masvingo province of southeastern Zimbabwe are modern specimen localities that gained international recognition around late 2018 through specialized dealer channels, with operations such as the Chibuku Mine experiencing active periods of hand-gathering, temporary closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and formal hard-rock excavation and blasting after reopening in November 2022. Geologically, these occurrences are associated with the Karoo Supergroup, where open-space pockets within the regional host rocks formed cavities that allowed silica-rich hydrothermal fluids to crystallize. This environment produced unique smoky-amethyst quartz variations, frequently displaying scepter, skeletal, and window habits alongside distinct purple color zoning, iron oxide flecks, and complex internal growth structures.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.