Surat: The Diamond City is attracting devotees during the ongoing Ganpati festival with an unusual form of darshan—naturally-formed gemstones and crystals that strikingly resemble Lord Ganesha.Alongside a few rough diamonds shaped like the deity and owned by diamond businessmen, visitors can view an unusual collection of Ganesha-like formations in white and red crystals, amethyst and ruby zoisite.Gemstone collector and diamond businessman Kanu Asodariya has assembled the collection over the years, inspired by his fascination with naturally formed crystals. The pieces range from tiny crystal formations that fit in the palm to a massive 23-kg amethyst that has become one of the collection’s major attractions.The amethyst “Ganesha”, estimated to be around 136,000 carats, has a deep purple hue. The rough stone appears to depict the deity reclining with his head resting on his left hand. It measures approximately 385 mm in width, 300 mm in thickness and 280 mm in height.“Amethyst is traditionally associated with peace and tranquillity. A naturally shaped piece of this size resembling Ganesha is rare,” Asodariya said.Another striking specimen is a crystal formation described as a seven-trunk Ganesha. In Indian tradition, seven trunks are associated with seven spiritual powers, while the form is also linked with Airavat.The collection also features a naturally shaped white quartz Ganesha, along with formations made of red crystals, amethyst and ruby zoisite. Quartz is commonly associated in popular belief with purity, clarity and positive energy.Among the other attractions is a 12-kg gemstone Ganesha and a stone containing ruby fragments that glow under ultraviolet light. Asodariya has also displayed a Ganesha formed from three different minerals fused into a single crystal-like mass, creating contrasting colours and textures.“I developed a love for gemstones and crystals while working in the diamond business. Gradually, I started collecting rare crystals from across the world,” said Asodariya. He said he displays the collection for visitors during the festival to showcase the remarkable colours, patterns and forms created naturally.
