1.6" Amethyst Cacoxenite Cabochon

This is a beautiful, 1.6" tall "amethyst cacoxenite" cabochon. This material was collected from Brazil and is truly gorgeous, especially when viewing under magnification. There is debate as to whether the inclusions within the amethyst are cacoxenite or goethite since the likelihood of a phosphate mineral (cacoxenite) forming within amethyst is very slim. Either way, this specimen is truly eye catching.

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz (SiO2) that owes its violet color to natural gamma irradiation, iron impurities, and the presence of trace elements, which result in complex crystal lattice substitutions. It is considered a semi-precious gemstone, and just two centuries ago was considered to have a value on par with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. The largest and best known amethyst deposits occur in southern Brazil and Uruguay, where they are found in hydrothermally-formed geodes, but many localities around the world produce an amazing variety of amethyst crystals and formations. They are almost always formed in medium- to high-temperature geological settings.
SOLD
DETAILS
SPECIES
Quartz var. Amethyst
LOCATION
Brazil
SIZE
1.6 x .82", .2" thick
ITEM
#171387