Quartz Gwindel

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'Gwindels' are one of the great wonders of Alpine mineralogy and a fascinating thing to ponder crystallographically. Named after the German for twisted, or contorted, they are a peculiar form of Quartz known for centuries from cavities within remote high altitude alpine clefts where the fissures opened during the mountain-building process of structural deformation. Flattened in form and a little like a window, they consist of an amalgamation of several 'parallel' crystals with a very slight twisting in their alignment. At over 9 cm in length this is a great display example and is enriched by its fine smoky-brown colour. Not only are gwindels rare, but some are colourless too, making these attractive brown ones much more sought after. The Giuv Valley in Switzerland is one of the all-time famous places where these crystal curiosities are found, making this both a beautiful crystal, and a classic too, with its age supported by an old handwritten label affixed to the back, documenting "Schattich Wichel". There are a couple of minor chips to its surface, but otherwise is really fine. Ex Martin Kershaw Collection, no. 276.