amethyst

   The purple variety of quartz is called amethyst, and is a gemstone known since ancient times.  It is the most highly prized gem in the quartz group, and according to legends has many supernatural powers, among them the abilities to protect one against magic, homesickness, and drunkenness!
   At Four Peaks, northeast of Phoenix, it occurs in cavities within an old fault zone.  Stones from this particular deposit are classified as "Siberian" quality, one of the higher grades of amethyst ("Siberian" is a jewelry trade designation -- gems of this quality don't necessarily come from that remote and cold region).  They typically exhibit a rich reddish-violet hue.

 
Amethyst
from the Four Peaks Mine, Arizona
-- it is one of our specialties!

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