Spirit Quartz gets its name from from the local miners because of the colors resemblance to Methylated Spirits. Their have over the years been many attempts by the trade to name and classify the various varieties that are found but the most common names that have stuck are.
Cactus Quartz. This is used to describe specimens with larger crystals forming around the main point.
Spirit Quartz is the term used specifically for the quartz with a strong purple color.
Fairy Quartz is used to describe the geodes with fine crystals around the center of the main point.
Spirit quartz was first discovered in 1986 at Kwaggafontein, Mathys-Zyn Loop and Boekenhout in the KwanNdebele area N-east of Pretoria.It is dug from the Bushveld granite and from the quartz veins in the Bushveld Granite.
The colors range from a deep purple to smoky as well as some pieces that have a almost Citrine color which is usually a coating .
For me Spirit Quartz is one of my favorites and they are stunningly beautiful display and collectors pieces.
This supply is limited and cannot last for ever. The price of Spirit Quartz has rocketed over the years. Some wholesalers are selling for up to R800.00 a kilogram from its humble beginning's this has taken the markets by storm.
Valley Gems stocks a wide and varied supply of Spirit Quartz.
