A natural section of rock carefully trimmed out of a massive geode pocket (the original stone weight in excess of 2 tonnes) has been carefully prepared to pull out the beautiful combination of crystals by diligent trimming. The resulting piece is remarkably complete all around and is suitable to be backlit. The piece shows the curved edge of an amethyst geode pocket, hosting a freestanding spear-like crystal of sparkling calcite rising from the amazing purple amethyst crystals in a contrast of geometry and color. From the famous deposits in Uruguay, near the border with Brazil. These are very rare compared to the plain and normal amethysts this region is so famous for, as decorative pieces. The combinations with calcite, showing multiple generations of complicated growth and intergrowth between calcite and amethyst, are considered much more desirable. Either species alone is not notable, but the combination, in quality and aesthetics, creates a natural masterpiece. Completeness, perfection, balance, color, and condition all matter, and this large piece exemplifies all of those criteria. This hails from the collection of Dr. Eugene "Gene" Meieran, a well-known mineral collector for over 60 years. Gene, an MIT alumnus, is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, was a former Senior Fellow at INTEL, chaired the Westinghouse Science Competition, amongst many accolades. He helped scale up microprocessors and design factories in the dawn days of the microchip, travelling the world for both work and for building his mineral collection. 69 x 35 x 33cm. (27 x 14 x 13 in.) and 22.2 kg.

Ex Gene Meieran collection