Blush Amethyst with Circular Pyrite Inclusions
Measures Approximately: 2 3/8" x 1 3/4" x 1 1/2"
Weighs Approximately: 6.4 oz
Wow, this palm sized quartz is really quite amazing. It is what we call a "blush" amethyst because the purple hue is so light that it's like it's blushing purple. Inside is a heavily included snow globe of metallic circles. It may be one of the heaviest included pyrite in quartz that I've ever seen. The circular formation of the pyrite, and the amount present in the quartz, is very unusual.
Metaphysically, I would suggest this as a way to "light a fire" at the crown chakra.
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. According to current theories exposure to natural underground radiation causes trace amounts of tetravalent iron (Fe4+) to replace some of its silicon. This change in its crystal structure creates its color. The name comes from the Greek amethystos (“not intoxicating”). People sculpted drinking cups out of amethyst in antiquity believing that it would prevent drunkenness.
Quartz is the most common of the silica minerals. The group is all composed of silicon dioxide but have different crystal structures. The others form under specific conditions like very high temperatures. The name quartz comes from the German quarz, without a “t”. It may be derived from the Polish kwardy (“hard”). Pure quartz is colorless but trace metal inclusions can color it purple (amethyst), yellow (citrine), and brown (smoky quartz). It also forms in fibrous varieties without visible crystals like chalcedony.
Pyrite, also known as "Fools Gold", is an iron sulfide (FeS2). Its name is taken from "pyr", meaning fire. It will produce sparks that can start a fire if struck against something hard. It can be distinguished from gold by using a streak test, which will show a black green streak. Gold creates a yellow streak and is much softer. However, pyrite and gold do often form together, making it just confusing enough for a would-be gold miner. Pyrite also often forms in dark, organic sediments that create beautiful pyritized fossils. As an inclusion in quartz, pyrite can express in a variety of crystal formations.
