Quartz (with multi-zoned inclusions)
Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Brazil
19.1 cm tall x 12.9 cm wide
12% of the Earth’s crust is quartz, making it among the most common of all mineral species. Discovering a new type of quartz is nearly unprecedented.
The array of colors within this crystal is unrivaled. The color zoning tells quite a story. It begins as clear quartz, then transitions to green chlorite or celadonite inclusions, amethyst intermixed with citrine, red hematite, more green celadonite, then amethyst again, and finally terminating in yellow colored by goethite or rutile inclusions.
This crystal was discovered a few years ago along with a few other smaller examples. This one may be the largest and finest preserved from this isolated discovery. To reveal their inner magnificence these crystals were sliced and polished. The evolution of growth within this crystal is likely unique in the world.
This specimen was featured in our Illumination exhibition.