Crystals of Fire mountain
BRANDBERG QUARTZ
Brandberg Quartz Origin & Physical Properties
Brandberg Quartz is a special variety of Quartz crystals that are from the Brandberg Mountain region of Namibia. Commonly, Brandberg crystal exhibit a blend of clear, smokey and amethyst in the same specimen. The crystals can have strong color zoning, phantoms, enhydro liquid inclusions, double terminations and sometimes elestial crystal texture. Brandberg Mountain at 2,573 meters, is the highest mountain in Namibia. Most of the crystals are found in the nearby Goboboseb mountains about 35 km west of the Brandberg summit.
The crystals can range from clear quartz with double terminations to deep violet amethysts with smokey quartz color tones. Crystals often contain red flecks of Lepidocrocite & Goethite inclusions. Brandbergs can have sparkling mirror luster, and water-clarity or they can be heavily included with complex “inner worlds.” Often the base of the crystals will be milky and only slightly transparent with bits of matrix attached. Brandberg, Namibia is one of the most recognized unique localities for Quartz and as its fame continues to grow prices for quality specimens are likely to increase.
| Category | Properties |
|---|---|
Chemical Composition |
SiO2 |
Mohs Hardness |
7 |
Luster |
Vitreous |
Specific Gravity |
2.6 - 2.7 |
Refractive Index |
1.544 to 1.553 |
Fluorescence |
Weak; bluish |
Crystal System |
Hexagonal |
Diaphaneity |
Transparent to translucent |
Color |
Clear, light to dark smoky, Purple amethyst |
Origin |
Brandberg, Namibia |
Chakra |
Crown (7th) |
Zodiac |
Pisces |
Element |
Wind, air |
Metaphysical Effects |
Infinite Compassion, harmony, adaptability, emotional health, deep soul healing, forgiveness |
Brandberg Quartz Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Brandberg Quartz crystals are named for the only region in the world they can be found, in desert platau close to Brandberg Mountain, a huge perfectly circular dome shaped mountain that rises out of the desert. Brandberg was called “burning mountain” and “mountain of the gods” by indigenous peoples of the region. The crystals of Brandberg are dynamic, unique and have exhilarating energy.
Each crystal is unique and Brandbergs have varying energetic properties. Clear Quartz crystals are powerful energetic amplifiers and act as conductors . Brandberg Amethysts are divine healers that carry the power of the violet flame. These crystals can help activate the Kundalini and open the Crown Chakra to higher subtle energies. Brandberg Amethyst crystals are amongst the finest natural amethysts on the planet. They are activators of higher consciousness and connect beyond our planet to the divine frequencies of the stars. Smoky Quartz brings the powerful grounding effects of the Root Chakra and the fiery empowerment of the solar plexus chakra.
Brandberg Quartz History & Mythology
Amethysts have been embraced by many cultures and have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to around 3,000 B.C. Many of the ancient attributes given to Amethyst are still recognized today in metaphysics. It is believed to be a stone of spiritual and physical protection, aiding in the purification of the body and aura and enhancing one’s devotion and connection to the Divine.
The name Amethyst comes from the Greek amethustos, meaning ‘not drunken’. In Greek mythology it is the goddess Diana who saved the beautiful maiden Amethyst from cruel death at the hands of the wine god Dionysius’ tigers by transforming her into a large clear crystal. Dionysius, upon realizing his cruelty and becoming remorseful, accidentally spilt wine over the crystal, upon which it changed its color to purple. It was believed in Roman times that wearing an Amethyst would prevent one from becoming drunk and Amethyst crystals and gemstones are often worn for protection today.
Catherine the Great had a great love for Amethyst and sent thousands of workers to find the best specimens in the Urals, and Cleopatra had a beautiful Amethyst ring accredited with the power to lure the attentions of Julius Caesar and Marcus Aurelius.
Throughout history Amethysts have always been greatly prized by the powerful and wealthy, however, with the large deposits found in Brazil making its availability quite common, the price of this fabulous crystal has become much more affordable in modern times.