Quartz ("Faden")

Item Description

Quartz is not only one of the most common species in the world, but it's incredibly versatile and is found in a myriad of crystals forms. Some of the most attractive and distinctive Quartz specimens are the famous "Faden" crystals groups found in European Alpine kleft deposits. These pieces features one or more internal "Faden" (German word for string) growths which some say are caused by fibrous amphibole inclusions, while other say they form as "scars" from the stress involved pulling crystals during tectonic activity. This piece is from the now classic locality in South Waziristan which has been producing excellent specimens for many years. It exhibits a notable "Faden" that runs through the center of the sharp, lustrous, colorless, GEM/gemmy, compressed Quartz crystals creating a wonderful display specimen. The overall quality of the crystals on the Quartz is excellent, but the base of the piece is contacted along with a small contact on the top. This one is on par with many true Alpine "Fadens" for size, quality and displayability. These attractive pieces from Pakistan seems to have dried up in recent years, and it's a shame because I truly feel they are underappreciated for what they are.