Quartz (Faden) (ex Tom Campbell Collection)

Item Description

When it comes to "Faden" Quartz specimens, one might think of the famous pieces from the European Alps or the newer material from Pakistan, but the famous Diamantina area in Brazil (best known for its diamonds) is the rare instance where we see "Faden" Quartz from a non-metamorphic environment. In German, the word "Faden" means string, as these Quartz specimens feature thin thread-like or string-like internal inclusions where sometimes are needles of an amphibole species, and sometimes they are internal "stress scars" from tectonic movement underground, where the crystals are pulled apart slightly and allow fluid or gas to enter). This piece is a superb example of this material, which is much rarer than its counterparts from Europe or Pakistan. Two predominant, WATER CLEAR, razor-sharp, tabular, prismatic colorless Quartz crystals are intergrowth with many smaller prisms of equal quality, which are highlighted by the notably thick white "Faden" line running from one side to the other. Perhaps my favorite aspect of the piece is that there are two individual Quartz prisms emerging from the larger crystals, and clearly can be seen growing nearly parallel with the "Faden" itself. Excellent condition, with the only damage being on the bottom where it detached from the pocket wall. Valued at $1,500 for size and superior quality. From the worldwide collection of Tom Campbell. Tom is a mineralogist and mineral collect who works with us here at The Arkenstone. He has over 35 years of experience in the fields of exploration geology, mining, and applied mineralogy, and has even more years under his belt as a collector! Tom has described many new species over the years, and discovered the rare phosphates Tiptopite, Fransoletite and Pahasapaite. Tom was also a co-author on the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Minerals. You can see a list of Tom's published works here ( https://www.irocks.com/thomas-j-campbell-publications-list ).