**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation only, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. ————— Description: At first glance, this specimen may appear as a delicate pair of violet quartz needles. Yet a closer observation immediately reveals a level of refinement, balance and mineralogical integrity that places it far beyond ordinary Vera Cruz material. What stands before the viewer is a naturally sculpted composition, where light, geometry and growth precision converge into a true collector-grade crystal ensemble. This outstanding Vera Cruz Amethyst from Piedra Parada, Veracruz, Mexico, presents a rare and harmonious double crystal formation, with two distinct prismatic needles rising together in elegant parallel growth. Each crystal maintains its own identity, proportions and termination, while collectively forming a balanced vertical composition that feels intentional and architectural. The crystals exhibit the classic needle-like habit for which Piedra Parada is world-renowned. Slender, elongated and sharply defined, the prisms rise cleanly from the matrix with excellent proportionality. Both terminations are fully preserved, naturally formed and sharply closed, displaying crisp geometry without damage, restoration or intervention. This degree of preservation is a key factor that elevates this piece into true specimen territory. Colour expression is refined and luminous, unfolding in soft lilac to pale violet tones, with subtle concentration toward the terminations. The lower sections remain airy and translucent, allowing light to penetrate deeply into the crystal bodies. This creates a floating, almost weightless visual effect, one of the most sought-after characteristics of high-quality Vera Cruz amethyst. Transparency is excellent, ranging from highly translucent to locally near transparent. Internal features are minimal and fully consistent with natural growth, adding optical depth rather than visual disturbance. The crystals respond beautifully to light, with a clean vitreous lustre that highlights the prism faces and sharp edges, reinforcing the clarity of the structure. The discreet natural matrix provides a stable and visually neutral base, allowing the crystals to dominate the composition without distraction. It supports an upright presentation and enhances the sculptural presence of the specimen. Piedra Parada is regarded as one of the most important localities worldwide for aesthetic amethyst quartz. Many of the finest specimens available today originate from older extractions, as high-quality material has become increasingly scarce. Well-formed double crystal examples with preserved terminations, high translucency and refined colour are particularly rare, making this specimen a clear museum-grade example of Vera Cruz amethyst. This is not a piece defined by size, but by perfection of form, purity of growth and locality integrity. A refined geological sculpture shaped entirely by natural processes. Specifications • Weight: 3.84 g • Weight in carats: 19.20 ct • Dimensions: 32 x 17 x 15 mm • Origin: Piedra Parada, Veracruz, Mexico • Mineral: Quartz • Variety: Vera Cruz Amethyst • Crystal habit: Slender prismatic needle crystals • Crystal formation: Natural double crystal growth • Termination: Two fully preserved natural terminations • Colour: Lilac to pale violet • Colour distribution: Subtle natural concentration towards the terminations • Transparency: Highly translucent to locally near transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Matrix: Natural and stable • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated Notable Points • Rare and aesthetically balanced double crystal formation • Two distinct crystals with individual identity and harmony • Fully preserved natural terminations on both prisms • Classic Vera Cruz needle morphology from Piedra Parada • Refined lilac-violet colour with luminous expression • Excellent translucency and light transmission • Minimal internal features, visually eye clean • Clean vitreous lustre with sharp prism reflections • Sculptural vertical composition • Increasingly scarce locality material • True specimen-grade quality suitable for museum or advanced collections Collector’s Interest: Vera Cruz amethyst specimens combining slender needle morphology, preserved terminations and harmonious multi-crystal growth are becoming increasingly difficult to source. This Piedra Parada example stands out for its structural clarity, elegant colour and mineralogical completeness. The double crystal formation adds rarity and visual authority, positioning this specimen firmly within advanced private collections and institutional-grade material. Lapidary Potential: This specimen should be preserved exclusively in its natural state. Any cutting would permanently destroy the rare double crystal architecture and intact terminations. Its highest value lies in its untouched geological form, where structure, light and origin remain fully intact. ——————- Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals