Quartz var. Smoky Quartz

Item Description

This is a highly unusual, dramatic, geometric smoky quartz specimen quite unlike what we see in modern times from South Africa, and seems to date back quite a bit (old label from Ken Roberts from the 1980s). The Jan Coetzee copper mine outside of Nababeep is known for its large Quartz crystals. The mine has been closed since 1971 with specimen production mainly coming from a famous find in 1966 (Mindat). Here is a handsome plate of numerous sharp, glassy, terminated, light Smoky Quartz crystals from the mine. The crystals all have a translucent, light gray smoky core with the termination tips and facial edge boundaries exhibiting a darker almost black smoky "zoning" or phantom. When viewed from above the phantoms appear as a dark 6-axis star. The majority of the main Quartz crystals have a hexagonal to pseudohexagonal habit with the largest crystal measuring 4.3 cm across. Around the base of several crystals there are smaller stepped daughter crystal growth reminiscent of an "alligator" Quartz style. The piece is in good condition but does have some minor termination nicks noted. A very interesting and unusual Smoky Quartz specimen with a great crystal habit that is accented by the uncommon Smoky phantoms. Ex. Jack Halpern Collection No. 1838.