Cactus Quartz and Amethyst
South Africa
Macrophotograph of a small portion of a Cactus quartz (a.k.a. Spirit quartz) crystal cluster with purple amethyst. The orange coloration is due to iron oxidation and small iron inclusions can be seen in the matrix of many of the crystals. From the Magaliesberg Mountains of South Africa.
Image #4114. Photo © copyright by Mark Windom.