Smoky quartz

Optically transparent, gemmy Smoky Quartz crystals have been known from the European Alps for centuries and feature in all of the great early European collections, but large cabinet-size display plates of multiple perfect terminated crystals upstanding on matrix remain a rarity and are amongst the most sought-after larger display specimens because of their spectacular presentation and beauty. Collected from high alpine clefts, the process of recovery, retrieval and preparation with no damage to the crystal tips is challenging, which is why the best specimens command such high prices. This stunning 14 cm long plate features many stunning free-standing terminated, transparent, rich brown Smoky Quartz crystals, the largest of which reaches 5.5 cm in length. This main crystal gives the appearance of having been 'contacted' on one side of its tip, but this appears to be a stepped termination, rather than a chip. It comes from the famous Göscheneralp in the Uri region of Switzerland and has its own display stand.