"BRANDBERG" AMETHYST GROUP ON MATRIX. ...

Description

"BRANDBERG" AMETHYST GROUP ON MATRIX
Tafelkop, Gobobosebirge, Brandberg District, Erongo Region, Namibia
Much rarer than the other eponymous material is this amethyst group from the Brandberg or 'Burnt Mountain. The massive, crystalline, feldspathic matrix indicates that this specimen comes from the true Brandberg, not from the Tafelkop; another locality that is a number of kilometers to the east. True Brandberg material can only be dug by Herero tribesmen since this is part of their tribal lands. As such only a few such specimens are produced on a sporadic basis every year. The true Brandberg hosts the highest point in Namibia; the 2574 m Koenigstein, home for pre-historic rock art and occasional post-historic rock climbers. This 'group' is actually one, very large, complex, doubly-terminated crystal some 7 inches tall. The complex growth includes "Fensters" - "Windows" in German. These unusual forms appear as crystalline hollows or pits in the middle of normally flat crystal faces. The color varies from colorless to deep purple in certain parts of the crystal with golden inclusions within the "Fensters". The glassy luster and color of the quartz is set off by the porcelaineous white of the feldspar crystals which range up to 1 inch in length. There is a very minor nick to one termination, otherwise the condition is excellent. The specimen measures 8 ½ x 6 x 4 inches and has a custom stand. A very aesthetic and sizable matrix specimen from an infrequently productive area. Ex Charles Key collection.

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