Spirit quartz, or cactus quartz, originates from the Magaliesberg Mountains in the North West province of South Africa. The area got its name in the early 19 th century from the Tswana chief Magali, whose tribe had, at that time, made the region their home. Later Mzilikazi, one of Shaka the Zulu's henchmen, took control of the land, shortly after breaking away from the Zulu chief. Mzilikazi's new tribe was then driven away by the Boers, who settled and began farming. Then during the second Boer war, the English built blockhouses in the area to restrict the Boer troops. Some the remains of these blockhouses are still visible today. After Magaliesberg's turbulent years came to an end, farming was reinstated, and the area became famous for its tobacco and citrus crops.
The Magaliesberg mountain range is an about 2000 million years old, being one of the oldest in Africa. It occurred, when two large pieces of upper mantle plates collided, forming two parallel mountain ranges that stretch for over 100km.
Today the Magaliesberg area is a haven for tourists to experience South Africa's natural beauty. It consists of a diversity of both fauna and flora, and thriving community of ethnic artists.
Nowadays Magaliesberg is one of the leading sources of platinum and chrome. Being rich in minerals, the area is also source to fine gemstones such as amethyst, citrine, and the distinctive spirit quartz. Spirit quartz consists of a pre-existing scepter (or cluster of scepters), with tiny crystals that have formed around it, causing a sparkling effect. The colour of spirit quartz ranges from white, to grey, often with purple shading.
