Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. The name originates in Ancient Greece, where it was believed that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. The ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication. It is one of several forms of quartz. Amethyst is also the traditional birthstone for February. We are offering a 7.75x13.5x5" deep amethyst formation w/a 4.5" wide strip of scalenohedron calcite crystals (the most prominent of which measures 2.5" long) bisecting the amethyst formation. This specimen weighs just under 20.25 lbs. The amethyst portion of this specimen exhibits a rich, lively lavender color which is attractively contrasted against the opaque coloring of the calcite. This example was found in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Nice display piece.