Quartz var. Smoky (Gwindel) ex. Asselborn coll

Item Description

This specimen is part of the 2021 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 23, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.

Gwindel quartzes are some of the strangest and most difficult to describe of quartz (or any mineral) styles, as they have a twist to them that simply is out of context to what we normally expect from sharp crystals. This is a superb small cabinet piece with incredible gemmy clarity, highest luster, and a good form that shows well the dramatic twisting effect of a gwindel. It is from the classic Swiss locality of Val Giuf, Tavetsch, Canton Grissons, Switzerland. This came out of the Eric Asselborn collection in the early 2000s and was then in the noted quartz collection of Rick Hottel. It is as good as you can ask for in the size range. Valued $4000-5000, although they do tend to trend higher in pricing at European show markets. Approx 120 grams. Donation to Symposium Auction. Custom base shown is included.