Choique Mine, Pehuenches Dept., Neuquén Prov. Argentina

Miniature, 4.9 x 4.7 x 2.1 cm

This variation of the mineral quartz has some misleading labels in the mineral world. Some call these "Rose Quartz", "Strawberry Quartz" or "Pink Amethyst". I prefer the term Pink Quartz, as rose quartz does not typically come from Argentina. I also associate amethyst with the color purple, as many other collectors do. These pieces are found as loose geodes and cracked open to expose the beautiful crystals within. This particular piece is lined with sharp, well-formed, gemmy / translucent, attractive orangish-pink colored hexagonal prisms measuring up to about 7 mm. Most of the central crystals are in good condition, but the periphery is obviously contacted where the piece was broken apart. The color is not the same as true Rose Quartz, as it has a slightly reddish / orange overtone, and the individual crystals are a bit more "stubby" by comparison.