Description:

• Purple amethyst with dark purple or black inclusions, usually shaped like the spokes of a windmill or in a starburst shape. These inclusions may also be randomly scattered/fractured throughout the gemstone.
• May have a white or grey exterior “border” around the gemstone, similar in appearance to a matrix rock around an opal.
• Trapiche amethyst usually will have sections of darker purple and sections of lighter purple, with varying degrees of transparency, throughout the stone.

Chemical Make-up:

• It is a form of amethyst; a member of the quartz family of gemstones.
• Amethyst is a purple quartz that contains traces of ferric iron that give the quartz a purple color. (silicon dioxide)
• Hardness:  7 on the Moh’s scale

Location:

Trapiche amethyst is very rare. Currently, it is only mined in:

• Argentina
• Brazil

Crystal Properties:

Trapiche Amethyst is said to strengthen the endocrine and immune systems.  Due to the unique crystal formation, it is said to enhance brain activity, increase concentration, and energize the person that wears it. Trapiche amethyst is also said to enhance psychic abilities, is excellent for channeling energy during meditation.

Additional Fun Facts and Information:

• “Trapiche” is a type of milling wheel used to process cane sugar. This gemstone was named after it because of the similarity of appearance between the spokes of the mill and the growth pattern of the gemstone’s inclusions.
• True trapiches form where geothermal waters meet a carbonaceous host rock. During mineral growth, the gem ceases to grow along the rough edges of the crystal. Instead, it grows only on the smooth faces. This leads to the gemstone growing in sectors independently from one another, and allows a second mineral inclusion to form within the gaps, thus forming the unique trapiche pattern.
• Sometimes simple inclusion growth within a crystal can create “trapiche-like” patterns. This means that the crystal of these trapiche-like gems is continuous and growing as one, not in independent sectors.
• Since the geological conditions necessary to create trapiche gems are uncommon, trapiche gems are some of the rarest specimens on Earth.
• Only minerals with a highly symmetric crystal habit are known to form the “spokes” or “arms” that define a trapiche gem. 
• Trapiche Gems are immensely rare, and are most often found in emeralds. However, trapiche growth patterns may also be found in ruby, sapphire, tourmaline, garnet, quartz, and aquamarine.

Pendant description:

• Set in sterling silver
• Gemstone dimensions: 32 mm x 22 mm
• Features a genuine stone
• This item includes an information card about the stone
• A certificate of authenticity is included with this item

*Chain is available for purchase here.