This is a fine and probably old specimen of amethyst form the ancient workings of quartz in Idar-Oberstein, used for centuries for carving and lapidary art. Still today, the world center of the highest end of the lapidary crafts is based in Idar-Oberstein, though stone to work on is now imported from elsewhere. This is a rich and beautiful pocket of amethyst. Very rare today to get any specimens of this material. It has amethyst crystals with two shades of purple: a bright, luscious, grape purple; and a much darker purple. Ex. Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, New Jersey) and Richard Hauck Quartz Collection.