Rose Quartz (hollow crystal), Lavre da Ilha, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Perhaps the most sought after unicorn in the quartz world is crystallized rose quartz. For some reason, rose quartz struggles to grow crystals, unlike its purple (amethyst), yellow (citrine) and colourless (rock crystal) brethren. Yet when it does grow crystals, they are often in bizarre masses and strange habits. The mineral-rich state of Minas Gerais in Brazil has reluctantly yielded the world's best rose quartz crystals like this example. Ours is a mineralogical wonder, showing two prominent rose quartz crystals, both complete. One of the crystals exhibits a "hollow" habit and is best viewed straight down the c-axis. The larger second crystal shows evidence of trying to grow another hollow crystal but is not quite complete. The crystals are attached to blocky feldspar showing some evidence of natural etching. Very cool! Ex Mike Menzies collection. From: Lavre da Ilha, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Dimensions: 4.5 cm x 6 cm