Quartz with Pyrite

Item Description

Many people forget that when the wall fell, Romania in the 1990s became a trove of minerals coming from stashes from the old mines and soon-to-be-closed mines that had once fueled the industry of the old USSR. Such specimens have not been seen in size and quality since. Outstanding combination piece of two common minerals, Quartz and Pyrite, displayed with a refined uncommon form and texture. The sharp translucent milky white Quartz crystals with transparent clear terminations are contrastingly set against two occurrences of associated microcrystalline, metallic, brass yellow Pyrite nodules. The Quartz has two types of crystal habits consisting of its normal or prismatic habit and a hexagonal habit showing six equal termination faces. The highlight of the piece is an unusual Quartz growth phenomenon that is seen on the largest Quartz crystal. This 9.2 cm long crystal is a spectacular example of what is called an "Artichoke" Quartz as its growth looks like an artichoke. The piece is in excellent condition with only a couple of small nicks. The Pyrites seem to have partially enveloped some of the Quartz and appear to have oxidized over time displaying a lovely iridescence showing flashes of greens, blues and some red. This piece comes from the Cavnic Mine in Romania which is well known for having produced some of the best "Artichoke" Quartz. If you're a Quartz collector, don't miss the opportunity to add this prime quality specimen with its unique Quartz form to your collection. Ex. Kurt Hefendehl Collection.