A particularly large amethyst crystal from the original Auralite 23 Mine near Thunder Bay, Ontario, the source associated with Howard Pilsmaker and the Auralite 23 trade name. At 210mm long, this is one of the largest elongated crystals we have handled from the mine without the distinctive red hematite rich cap more commonly associated with the material. 

The crystal is strongly elongated, with deep violet colour through the lower body becoming progressively lighter toward the termination. Multiple chevron like growth zones are visible internally, creating repeated bands of purple, smoky grey and paler quartz through the length of the specimen. The upper section has a softer violet pink tone and good translucency, while the darker lower portion gives the piece considerable visual depth.

Material sold under the Auralite 23 name is associated with inclusion rich amethyst from this specific Thunder Bay source, although the trade name has since been applied much more broadly in the market. The original material is known for complex internal zoning and a range of minute mineral inclusions within the quartz. 

This specimen was chosen for our personal collection because of its unusual scale, strong internal banding and particularly attractive progression of colour from deep smoky violet through to the lighter termination. The combination of size, translucency and repeated chevron growth makes it an exceptional example of material from the original mine.