Quartz var. Smoky

$3,500.00

Free shipping
Seller offers an extended return window of up to 30 days
Ships from USA

2378 sold last year · median $285.00 · last sale $80.00

The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,411 for sale·796 sold

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on the planet however, and alpine Swiss Quartz are among the most prized. However, there is nothing common about this highly impressive and dramatic Smoky Quartz cluster from the Tiefen glacier. Switzerland is known for producing some of the world’s best Smoky Quartz specimens and given the crystal quality and beautiful three-dimensional architecture of this Smoky Quartz plate, it is easy to see why. These transparent, glassy luster, gem-quality prismatic crystals, measuring up to 7.9 cm tall and 3.9 cm across, have an amazing smoky color that is uniform from the crystal base to the termination. The crystallography of the piece is very interesting with individual terminations showing differing crystal habits including both Dauphiné and pseudohexagonal habits amongst crystals with the standard normal habit. There are also well-defined, fine horizontal striations on the prism faces with several exhibiting fascinating striation offsets and density changes to the main patterns. These features all indicate an interesting and complex growth history for this incredible specimen! The piece is in excellent condition with only some absolutely trivial chipping - that certainly do not detract from the captivating aesthetics. It is natural, untouched by modern labs and restoration, which we prize highly in such Swiss specimens. In person, it has a very dramatic look that makes it leap out to the eye. A superb Smoky Quartz specimen with an aura of elegance and sophistication that is hard to match! Ex. William (Bill) Larson Quartz Collection. This collection was built since the 1980s and on exhibit for decades in his jewelry and mineral store in Fallbrook, California.