Amethyst Geode
Artifact ID1986.00807.01a-b
Object Type
Geospecimen
Gifter
José Sarney
Maker
Natural History Specimen
Date
before 1986
Medium
Stone (celadonite, quartz, amethyst)
Dimensions2 × 10 in. (5.1 × 25.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionA cross-sectional piece of an amethyst geode. The geode is displayed on a padded platform with an engraved silver presentation plaque.Historical NoteOn September 10, 1986 President José Sarney of Brazil and Marly de Pádua Macieira Sarney made a state visit to the United States. President Sarney was accorded a formal welcome with full military honors on the South Portico of the White House. Following the ceremony, the two Presidents met in the Oval Office. Later that day, the State Dinner for President and Mrs. Sarney was held in the Rose Garden and South Lawn. The gifts were given following the State Visit. Brazil is one of the world's leading sources of amethyst, especially in Marabá, Pau d'Arco, and Rio Grande do Sul. In Rio Grande do Sul amethyst is found in large geodes within volcanic rocks like basalt. They may have an outer layer of celadonite and an inner layers of colorless quartz or agate and amethyst.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Country/CultureBrazilIn Collection(s)
Exhibition HistorySymbols of Diplomacy (1993-1994), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library