Quartz v. Amethyst, Calcite- Tonglushan Mine, Daye Co., Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province, China

Amethyst, Calcite
Tonglushan Mine, Daye Co., Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province, China
Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.2 x 3.9 cm

This specimen features pale lavender amethyst crystals emerging through a dense coating of calcite, creating a really unusual layered appearance. Instead of the classic “amethyst cluster” look, much of the quartz is partially obscured by later mineral growth, with larger lavender terminations peeking out around the edges.

The calcite occurs as abundant translucent to whitish crystals across much of the specimen, ranging from tiny sparkling crystals to larger, more distinct forms. There are also rust-red to reddish-brown mineral inclusions/coatings concentrated along some crystal edges and surfaces. Visually, those little red accents are fantastic against the icy calcite and lavender quartz.