Quartz (SIL-0001)

specimen number:
9273138

location:
Piedra Parada, Las Vigas, Veracruz, Mexico

description:
Glassy gemmy purple crystals of quartz to 4.3 cm in height aesthetic up on a calcite crystal covered matrix. This is the variety of the species known as an amethyst. Neat with the association, in perfect condition.

The Piedra Parada extraction zone, located near the village of Piedra Parada in the municipality of Las Vigas de Ramirez, Veracruz, Mexico, is a world-famous locality celebrated for producing premier collector-grade amethyst crystal specimens rather than industrial metals or stones. Geologically, the deposit sits within a mountainous volcanic landscape at the southern terminus of the Sierra Madre Oriental, where mineralization is hosted within Tertiary-aged vesicular andesite formations. The distinct, elongated prismatic quartz crystals and pale lilac-to-deep violet amethyst scepters formed inside open gas cavities (vesicles) from volatile-rich, low-temperature hydrothermal fluids containing trace amounts of ferric iron. The history of specimen extraction in the rugged cliffs around Piedra Parada began on a casual basis by local villagers during the mid-20th century, but structured mining operations expanded dramatically around 1980 when commercial specimen dealers leased the properties and introduced pneumatic equipment. While various small-scale operations like La Cascada, Torrecellas, and La Mina Grande have experienced shifting levels of activity, localized, hand-tool extraction by resident miners has continued consistently well into the 21st century to supply the global mineral specimen market.

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