Quartz var. Smoky: Mont Blanc Massif, Switzerland

Description

Species: Quartz var. Smoky

Locality: Mont Blanc Massif, Alps Mountains, Grissons, Switzerland

Dimensions: 40 x 25 x 23 cm.

The Alps have been famous for smoky quartz crystals, considered to be the world’s finest, for hundreds of years. This is a spectacular huge cluster of gemmy, lustrous, very large smoky quartz crystals, up to 22 cm. long! It is an old piece, having likely been mined in the early 20th or even late 19th century, and then residing in the home of an important family in Belgium for many years. The crystals, while there have some rather minor peripheral damage, are overall is great condition especially considering the size and age of the piece. Two inconspicuous repairs which have been professionally re-done in a lab do little to take away from the marvelous display aesthetics and real “wow factor” of this huge smoky quartz. A great specimen for the collector of large classics or alternatively a super home decor piece. Mark Cross photo.