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Patrick Gundersen, who shares his adventures under the handle @crystals_of_australia, spoke with Fox News Digital on Monday about the discovery. He found the quartz in the Hart Range of Australia's Northern Territory during the summer.
In a video posted to Instagram, Gundersen is seen digging up the quartz and pulling it out of the ground. He told Fox News Digital that the gemstone weighed more than four pounds.
The striking crystal, which is celestial quartz, is primarily whitish with a purple tip. According to Gundersen, celestial quartz exhibits secondary growth, which is visible in the gemstone expert's photos.
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A crystal expert recently told Fox News Digital that he discovered celestial quartz worth thousands of dollars. (@cristaux_of_australia / Instagram)
“What makes it so unique are the striking growth patterns along it,” explained the crystal expert. “Then having a perfect amethyst crystal on top is just unique.”
“Pieces like this remind me how incredible nature is.”
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Celestial Quartz contains “striking growth patterns,” which adds to its value. (@cristaux_of_australia / Instagram)
Celestial Quartzes are most commonly found in Brazil and Madagascar, although some have been found in the United States. The fact that this crystal was found in Australia is unusual.
“Given the rarity of the training and the fact that it comes from Australia, it could easily be worth several thousand dollars,” he explained. “But I decided to keep it for my own collection because it’s unlike anything else I’ve found before.”
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Patrick Gundersen shares his adventures under the nickname @crystals_of_australia. (@cristaux_of_australia / Instagram)
The crystal expert also said his interest in rock hunting runs deep.
“I have always been fascinated by the shapes and colors of crystals,” Gundersen explained. “Even when I was a kid, my best friend had an old quarry on his property, and we would crawl around on all fours collecting tiny quartz crystals.”
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Gundersen told Fox News Digital that he became interested in rock hunting as a child. (@cristaux_of_australia/Instagram)
“Later, during my teenage years, I started looking for more places to explore and embarked on longer adventures in the Australian outback.”
Gundersen added that these types of discoveries usually require research and time, which makes the hobby even more enjoyable.
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“For me, the thrill has always been the treasure hunt element,” he said. “It takes research and a lot of exploration, but there is nothing more magical than the reward of finding something truly special, like this crystal!”