Apparently, from what we are told, this special pocket of 1975 was the most famous single large amethyst find in Switzerland. Amethyst is extraordinarily rare there, in contrast with its smoky and clear quartz cousins, for reasons of geology and mineralogy. Amethysts from Switzerland, even small crystals, have therefore always commanded a premium on the collector market. This huge single crystal is much more massive than others we have seen for sale over the years, and one of several in the Lockhart collection to have come to him over the decades. It was found by the infamous and productive Swiss strahler Walter Hofer in 1975, and ended up for sale at a Munich show where I helped my friend obtain it as that collection was being sold off. The piece was only lightly cleaned and has never been through a proper lab, to fully clean it and repair a small and tiny tip damage (it is otherwise pristine and complete). We did not see the need, and kept the piece the way it is, showing even some pocket dirt attached, to convey that this is not just another Brazilian beauty, but is really from Switzerland. It is a major Swiss amethyst/Quartz specimen, and dramatic when displayed front and center in a showcase. It masses 929 grams, over two pounds, making it among the larger fine quality amethysts from a European locality, in general. Comes with custom lucite base for display.