This is a classic of old Austrian minerals, famous worldwide as best of species for most of mineralogy's history from finds in the 1700-1800s as well as a few smaller finds into the recent era. Similar material does come today from Pakistan, but this has a particular elegance to it that sets it apart. The crystals are totally gemmy and transparent, pristine! The piece is complete all around. Steve Smale collects refined examples of China minerals these days but was more widely known in the past before 2000 for his worldwide and extensive suites of both miniatures/small cabinet examples of classics. From his large collection of such old treasures, obtained over more than 60 years of collecting such things, this is a truly elegant small cabinet-sized example of one of the most classic of all European finds and styles, these are gemmy crystals of epidote from the famous alpine deposits in Austria. It is complete all around, 360 degrees. Comes with a custom lucite base.