Quartz var. Smoky with Feldspar - historic locale

Item Description

Northern Ireland's highest point is located within the Mourne Mountains, and the granite intrusions here contain numerous, mineralized miarolitic cavities known and researched since antiquity, that produced some treasured aquamarines and topaz 200-300 years ago. This fine, small cabinet combination piece is composed of perhaps the two dominant species for these cavities: Quartz and Feldspar. Intergrown, the tan Feldspar crystals provide an attractive contrast to the deep Smoky Quartz crystals. These Smokies reach up to 2.5 cm, their luster is excellent, and many of the faces on the lower halves of these crystals are complex. This is granite mining, after all, so it is not surprising that there is some wear, particularly along the upper edges of the Quartz. It's a real plus that quality, highly-representative and aesthetic specimens such as this piece survived at all. Recently deaccessed from the Tim Sherburn collection. RARE!