Hematite with epitaxial Rutile and Smoky Quartz (classic material)

Item Description

When it comes to Swiss Alpine minerals, one of the first images that comes to mind are the world-famous Hematites from the Cavradischlucht (Cavradi Gorge) which their classic association of red Rutile. The overgrowth of the glowing Rutile crystals on the steel-grey Hematite blades is iconic in the mineral world. This small cabinet features a group of sharp, highly lustrous, metallic hexagonal tabular crystals of Hematite measuring up to 4.2 cm across which are dotted a few blood red Rutiles growing on selective spots (epitaxial overgrowth) associated with GEM QUALITY, razor-sharp, lightly smoky colored Quartz crystals and minor Albite on the lower front edge. The piece displays beautifully on its own without the aid of a base or clay as you can see in the photos. The Hematite crystals are in good condition, though there is a contact on the lower left edge. The back of the piece is contacted, but you can't see it from the front when the piece is displayed. Overall, it's quite rare to find matrix specimens of this material with such fine quality Quartz like this from this world-famous locality. If you're a fan of Alpine minerals, then no collection is complete without a stellar Hematite from Cavradi. This one would be priced in the $4,000-$5,000 range retail in our inventory.