Quartz var. Smoky

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Swiss alpine Smoky Quartz crystals are the epitome for this Quartz varietal, and come from these remote clefts in the high Swiss Alps. This is a large, transparent, perfectly formed, and brilliantly glassy crystal of Smoky Quartz from the well-known Brent Lockhart Swiss minerals collection (which we purchased in 2021). The luster, gemminess, and overall beauty are usually at their best in specimens from this region and this big, gorgeous single crystal is no exception! It is incredibly glassy with just the right amount of smokiness and it is totally gem throughout, with only a few veiled inclusions near the termination. The crystals faces and edges are sharply formed without damage and the prism faces show stepped, geometric growth for added interest. The terminal faces exhibit very subtle growth hillocks and thet show tenuous, olive green patches near the tip that represent just a dusting of Chlorite. This is a choice Smoky Quartz crystal from the Swiss Alps that leaps out for clarity, color and form...from any other smokies around the world. It is in superb condition and of high quality. Considering how remote these locations are, and how difficult they are to collect, it is a minor miracle we have any surviving in such pristine condition. Over 1 kilo!