Quartz variety amethyst crystal with an unusual flattened morphology, in which two opposite prism faces have almost completely disappeared, giving the crystal a very uncommon habit. Particularly noteworthy are its extraordinary transparency and the attractive distribution of the color, concentrated in delicate violet 'clouds'.
The specimen comes from a discovery made in 2007 at Antanimbaribe, a locality previously unknown for this type of crystal, which produced specimens of remarkable quality.
This specimen was described, photographed, and published as a new find in the 'Revista de Minerales' on page 22 of issue 2008/2
Geologically, the amethysts from Antanimbaribe formed in hydrothermal cavities associated with fractures developed within the crystalline basement of Madagascar. The circulation of silica-rich fluids, together with the presence of small amounts of iron and subsequent natural irradiation, favored the crystallization of Quartz and the development of the characteristic violet coloration of amethyst.
Antanimbaribe (Antany-Ambaribe), Antsirabe II District, Vakinankaratra Region Madagascar (2007)
Specimen size: 8.5 × 1.9 × 1.1 cm = 3.35” × 0.75” × 0.43”
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