Quartz var. Smoky on Hematite (circa 1800s) ex Hauck

Item Description

Outstanding combination piece from the famous Florence Mine in England, rare in such quality as a fine miniature and just absolutely classic for these old 1800s-era finds! Featured is an intergrown pair of light Smoky Quartz crystals (nearly Beta Quartz) to 3 cm, resting on a bed of highly lustrous, almost black Smokies. Tucked under those is a layer of flashy and brilliant Specular Hematite, and below that is a layer of Kidney Ore Hematite. This is a superb example of an English classic. Many people call the shape of this quartz "beta quartz" for its strange form relative to other quartz, although i am always unclear on if this is really beta quartz (produced in higher temperatures of formation) or just a close look alike and yet still regular old quartz...in any case, very distinctive! From the noted historic classics collection of Richard 'Dick' Hauck of New Jersey. A superb miniature, valued $750-1000. It is very old and has an unknown 1800s-era label on the bottom.