Description
This 2.50-inch amethyst cut base is shaped to stand upright, with artisans polishing the back and bottom to create a stable display surface while leaving the crystal face untouched. The exposed amethyst points show rich purples, subtle zoning, and translucent quartz edges typical of Brazilian geode interiors.
The contrast between the dark basalt host rock and the bright crystal points creates strong visual depth, making this a compact but eye-catching display piece.
Geological Background
Brazilian amethyst forms inside volcanic basalt cavities, where silica-rich fluids slowly deposit quartz over long periods. As iron within the crystal lattice changes oxidation states under geologic heat, the quartz turns various shades of purple—ranging from lavender to saturated violet.
Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil is renowned for producing amethyst with well-defined terminations, high transparency, and consistent color bands, making it one of the world’s most important sources for collector-grade quartz clusters.
Scientific Classification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Class | Silicate – Quartz Group |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ (with Fe impurities) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Mohs Hardness | 7 |
| Locality | Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil |
| Formation Environment | Basalt-hosted geode cavities |
History & Cultural Context
Amethyst has been valued since antiquity, appearing in Greek jewelry, Roman signet rings, medieval altar pieces, and modern lapidary art. Brazilian deposits introduced large, high-clarity amethyst clusters to the global market in the 19th and 20th centuries, shifting the stone from a rarity to an accessible staple for collectors and mineral enthusiasts.
Cut-base amethyst became especially popular for interior décor and natural history displays because the polished base allows the crystal face to stand securely without a separate mount.
Symbolism & Design Interpretation
The piece naturally represents:
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Structure and symmetry, shown in the parallel crystal formations
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Geological contrast, with quartz crystals rising from a dark basalt matrix
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Natural architecture, characteristic of volcanic geode interiors
This makes it suitable for modern shelves, curated mineral displays, and educational collections.
Aesthetic & Collector Evaluation
At 2.50 inches, this amethyst cut base is compact but visually rich. The crystal points show good luster and natural zoning, while the polished back highlights the transition from basalt to quartz. Its small footprint makes it an ideal choice for desktops, shelves, or gift sets.
Care & Handling
Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight to preserve color saturation. Dust with a soft cloth. Quartz is durable, but avoid dropping or contacting harder minerals to protect the crystal points.










