Quartz
Purple quartz, colored by trace iron and natural irradiation. Amethyst forms the great cathedral geodes of Brazil and Uruguay, the deep royal 'Zambian' crystals of Africa, and the delicate pale wands of Vera Cruz. The largest pieces in our collection are geodes taller than a person.
Uruguayan material is prized for saturated, almost blue-purple color to the very tip; Brazilian geodes tend to be larger with lighter color. Check for even color distribution, undamaged crystal tips across the face, and natural agate rind rather than dyed or heat-treated surfaces.
Keep out of direct sunlight — prolonged UV fades amethyst to grey or yellow. Dust with a soft brush.
The name comes from the Greek amethystos, 'not intoxicated'; drinking vessels of amethyst were thought to guard against drunkenness.
Cultural history, recorded as tradition rather than as medical or scientific claim.
See it in person
Both rooms are open six days a week, and there is always someone happy to pull pieces out of the case so you can compare them under the light.