Quartz (''Fadens'')

Item Description

Some of the most distinctive Quartz specimens found in Alpine, "Alpine-type" and various other deposits around the world are the attractive "Faden" crystal groups. These characteristic form of these crystals is due to the fact that the crystals are essentially "pulled apart" in the pockets, causing thin lines to form inside, which are essentially "scars" from where the crystals healed. This specimen features two intergrown groups which show the classic "Faden" (German word for string) forms that are well-known from this locality in Pakistan. The "Fadens" run across the sharp, highly lustrous, colorless, gem/gemmy crystals, but it's the almost "donut"-shaped aspect of the piece that makes it so desirable. The piece is in great shape, with no major damage, only a tiny point of attachment where it was separated from the pocket wall. The overall quality of the crystals on the Quartz is very good, very lustrous and gemmy for the area. These Pakistani pieces seemed to have dried up in recent years, and I personally think they are highly underappreciated for what they are.
From the collection of David E. Ziga, a geologist who graduated Miami (of Ohio) University in 2017, with a mineralogy background.