Red Cap Amethyst, Canada
Red Cap Amethyst, Canada
★★★★★
“Beautiful crystal exactly as described in the listing.” Sara, Etsy customer
Receive the exact specimen
All known repairs and treatments disclosed
Carefully packed and tracked shipping
Minerals: Amethyst, Hematite
Locality: Auralite 23 Mine, Thunder bay District, Ontario, Canada Department, Canada
Dimensions: 195mm x 60mm x 48mm (approx)
Weight: 666.6g
Provenance: ex. Mala Haslem Collection
Here is an extraordinary large amethyst crystal from Howard Pilsmaker’s Auralite 23 Mine near Thunder Bay, from the original red capped material associated with the celebrated “Cave of Wonders” production. This material came to international attention during the late 2000s and early 2010s, with original Cave of Wonders specimens generally attributed to mining between roughly 2007 and 2011.
At 195mm long this is one of the longest examples we have encountered from the mine, while still maintaining a proportion and weight that makes it comfortable to handle. The upper section is dominated by a matte hematite cap, with layered growth across the termination and a strong transition into violet and colourless quartz beneath.
The crystal displays repeated chevron phantom bands through the body, with alternating zones of lilac, pale quartz and deeper violet. These layers record successive stages of crystal growth, showcasing a clear record of changing conditions during formation. The Auralite 23 material is generally dated to around 1.2 to 1.5 billion years old, placing its formation deep within the geological history of the Canadian Shield.
The Cave of Wonders material became particularly famous for this combination of repeated phantom growth, complex mineral inclusions and hematite rich red caps. The name Auralite 23 itself refers to a group of minerals identified across material from the deposit, although individual crystals do not necessarily contain all 23.
The surface remains naturally textural, allowing the growth bands and changes in colour to remain clearly visible. At the opposite end, the base carries a fine golden drusy coating, adding another distinct surface feature to an already unusually complex crystal.
This is a particularly substantial and aesthetic example of the original red capped material, with the scale, layered phantom growth, broad hematite termination and contrasting drusy base all strongly developed in a single specimen.
Shipping & Open Box Information
Complimentary shipping on orders over A$300
We ship worldwide using tracked Australia Post services, with Express Post as our standard shipping method within Australia.
Orders are dispatched on business days, with each specimen carefully packaged for safe transit.
Have an open box with us? Your purchases can be combined into one shipment. New website orders trigger dispatch by default, unless you enter OPENBOX at checkout to continue holding your specimens.
Red Cap Amethyst, Canada
Red Cap Amethyst, Canada
FAQs
Will I receive the exact specimen?
Yes. Unless a listing is clearly marked as a multiple quantity product like Mineral Tac, the specimen shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive.
Are repairs or restorations disclosed?
Yes. Any known repair, restoration, reattachment or treatment is stated in the listing.
What if a specimen sells during checkout?
Most pieces are unique and available in a quantity of one. A specimen is only secured once checkout has been completed successfully.
Can I purchase a specimen as a gift?
Yes. Mineral specimens can be sent directly to the recipient, and gift arrangements can be discussed before dispatch. Please contact us on Instagram @the_liminal_stone for the fastest reply
Can I combine purchases?
Absolutely. We're happy to combine multiple purchases into one shipment, helping you save on shipping costs.
If you'd like to continue shopping before your specimens are dispatched, simply use OPENBOX at checkout. We'll safely hold your purchases until you're ready to have them shipped together.
How do open boxes work?
Our open box service allows you to purchase specimens over time and have them held safely with us until you're ready for a combined shipment.
To start an open box, simply enter OPENBOX at checkout. You can continue adding specimens to your box with subsequent purchases using the same code.
When you're ready to receive your collection, place your next order without the code, or contact us to arrange dispatch.
I already have an open box. Will my new order ship with it?
Yes. By default, your existing open box will be combined with your new website order and dispatched on the next available business day.
If you'd prefer to continue adding to your open box, simply enter OPENBOX at checkout. This lets us know you'd like to keep your purchases on hold for a future combined shipment.
How do I close my open box?
When you're ready to receive your specimens, simply place your next website order without using the OPENBOX code. This signals that you're ready for your accumulated purchases to be combined and dispatched on the next available business day.
If you're not making another purchase, simply contact us to arrange dispatch of your existing open box.
