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All auctions / Ethnographical / Amethyst Scepter with Deep Violet Tip and Translucent...


atural Crystal with Intense Color Zoning — This lot features an imposing single Amethyst crystal, a macrocrystalline quartz variety, from the rich Brazilian deposits. With a remarkable length of over 19 cm, this specimen stands out for its slender shape and, above all, for a spectacular color zoning that tells its geological story. Its aesthetics combine the geometric perfection of the crystal termination with the raw mass of the main body, making it a piece of great visual impact and collecting interest. Direct observation reveals an apex of extraordinary quality. The pyramidal termination is perfectly formed, with smooth, glossy faces that show glassy transparency. It is here that the color concentrates with maximum intensity, a deep and saturated violet, almost regal, that catches the light revealing internal inclusions and subtle veils, testifying to its growth process. This 'phantom' tip, darker than the rest of the crystal, is one of the most sought-after features by connoisseurs. Descending along the crystal prism, one witnesses a magnificent color transition. The intense violet gradually fades into a gentler lilac, then shifts toward a nearly colorless quartz and finally a milky base. This color variation is not a defect, but the precious record of the chemical-physical changes that occurred in the growth environment. The surface of the crystal body is rougher than the tip, displaying the natural textures and the horizontal growth banding typical of quartz, which gives the piece an authentic and powerful character. Geologically speaking, Amethyst crystals of this size form within veins or geodes in volcanic rocks, through a slow hydrothermal process. Hot fluids rich in silica and iron penetrated the rock cavities and, cooling over millions of years, deposited successive layers of quartz. Variations in iron concentration and exposure to natural radiation determined the intensity of the violet color, creating the zoning we admire today. The tip, often the last part to form, benefited from the most stable and pure conditions, developing its superior gem quality. As a collectible object, this specimen represents a classic of world mineralogy. Its size, scepter-like form, and color quality make it a premier display piece. It is not merely a mineral, but a true natural sculpture capable of engaging with contemporary design spaces, professional studios, or enriching a Wunderkammer — a cabinet of curiosities where the beauty of nature takes center stage. Its presence invites contemplation of geometric perfection and the power of geological time.
Estimate:£144.09
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Hammer price:
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Estimate:
£144.09

OCT 17 | 10:00 PM

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Get listed nowTwo gilded bronze Singha temple lions, Thailand, first half of the 20th century
10/07/2026

£186.47
Est: £170.79