Specifications
Description
Locality: Choique Mine, Pehuenches, Neuquén, Argentina
Description: Pink amethyst is a new arrival in the mineral world. These geodes come from the El Choique mine in Pehuenches, Neuquén, in Argentina's Patagonia. Stories of quartz-lined geodes in the area had circulated for years, but it was only in 2013 that an expedition backed by Buenos Aires mineral dealer Andrés Oteiza tracked them down. He and geologist Lucas Di Martino then got a permit to work the site.
The geodes sit in Late Cretaceous anhydrite rock rather than in basalt like most amethyst geodes, and they weather loosely out of the eroded beds. The site is remote desert with no public access, so collecting is done in short dry-season campaigns. The mine is named for the choique, the Mapuche word for the rhea, a large flightless bird of the region.
The geodes first appeared at a gem fair in Brazil in 2017, then at Tucson in 2018. Researchers describe the colour as a purplish pink quartz given extra red colouring by microscopic hematite inclusions, a combination not known from anywhere else.
Each piece is half a geode lined with soft pink quartz crystals.
In crystal traditions, pink amethyst is associated with emotional balance and comfort.
Chemical Composition: SiO2
Chakra: Crown
Approximate Size for 1 piece: H 3cm x W 7cm x D 2.5cm
Approximate Weight for 1 piece: 110g
Quantity: 1 piece (1 half of a geode)
We do our best to buy quality products- although not every rock is the same. If you choose to purchase the "staff pick option", we will select the best of the batch for you. Otherwise, it will be at random from the larger batch we have in stock.