very deep!! beautiful Uruguayan amethyst geode with large calcite & free-standing amethyst stalactite

A very deep Uruguayan amethyst geode with large calcite growth and a free-standing amethyst stalactite. Three mineralization phases are openly displayed in a geode shell, each with its own growth history.

Uruguayan amethyst crystallizes in volcanic geodes of the Arapey Basalt Formation. The material is considered the darkest, deepest purple-colored amethyst variety in the world.

The free-standing amethyst stalactite is a rare growth configuration. During mineralization, a quartz column grew vertically into the cavity from the geode's ceiling. Such stalactites are considered a premium collector's detail.

The calcite growth, as a secondary phase, grew on already formed quartz tips after the amethyst growth was completed. The contrast between white calcite and deep amethyst violet is striking.

A Uruguayan collector's piece with three-phase genesis and museum-quality detail.