Description & Provenance

Loved since antiquity, amethyst is a variation of quartz that gains its beautiful coloration from trace amounts of iron (Fe). It is abundant, attractive, and can be found worldwide, making it one of the most widely collected and best-known minerals in the entire mineral kingdom. Despite its plentitude, there is an incredible degree of variation among specimens depending on where they have formed. It can vary greatly in hue, size, and formation with some localities standing out for their “signature look,” causing collectors to seek examples from every different location. Amethysts from the Goboboseb Mountains of Namibia, in particular, are famed for their excellent aesthetics. The best specimens have elongated, prismatic crystals, a high capacity for luster, and great translucency. Their most distinguishing attribute, however, is an alluring, red-toned purple hue that is often centralized in phantoms within the crystals. This means that there is often a clear, colorless perimeter around rich, central zones of purple. Color within the phantoms is also notably unique and appears like airy clouds of color, sometimes also with plumes of smoky coloration. It is a gorgeous effect that is often likened to paint dropped in water. Notably, these amethysts are so recognized and desired, they are often referred to as “Brandberg crystal” or “Brandberg quartz,” so named for the nearby Brandberg granite massif, approx. 35km west of the actual Goboboseb mountain deposit.

This specimen has two beautifully formed amethyst scepters. They embody the wonderful characteristics known for the region, including a sumptuous purple coloration that is centralized in phantoms within each crystal. Each purple zone is encapsulated by a colorless, transparent zone. The scepters are lustrous and transparent, allowing for prime view of the purple clouds of color within. They are joined at their base, pointing outwards in opposite directions from a tan matrix (host rock), creating a balanced, symmetrical presentation.

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