Quartz with Hematite

Item Description

Orange River is known for, among other things, its easily recognizable and attractive specimens of Hematite-included Quartz. The Quartz crystals on the small cabinet specimen are gemmy and sharp, with the dominant, 4.4 cm crystal rising impressively up and out from the cluster. The Hematite coatings are complete, giving the crystals excellent visual definition that they might not otherwise have. In fact, the Hematite extends down into the crystals, forming a thin 'dusting' of inclusions just below the surface. Being Quartz, it is not surprising that a few of the crystals were lost during mining, but the contact in front actually enhances the piece as it allows you to really appreciate how the crystals splay out from the matrix. There is both a radial and intertwining aspect to that geometry which, combined with the dramatic coloration, creates a very good aesthetic. It is worth noting that the Orange River area extends into Namibia. Historically, an overabundance of specimens has been labeled as being from Namibia, but in reality the majority of Quartz, as well as Fluorite, production has actually been from South Africa. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl, a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces.