reverse scepter, gem DT Smoky Quartz (Larson Coll.)

Item Description

Fantastic form on this VERY RARE gem reverse scepter light smoky quartz crystal from the Pala Chief Mine. The scepter and striking steep termination face dramatically highlight the superb, pristine 360-degree limpid crystal. Adding even more character, four of the prism faces are glass-clear with the other two having preferential satin lustre. Technically doubly terminated the broken base is rehealed. The Pala Chief Mine was discovered in 1903 and for the first ten heavily worked years was the world's foremost source for gem spodumene. The pegmatites also produced fine tourmaline specimens. The mine has been intermittently active with limited success since. See the 2002 Mineralogical Record article in Vol. 33, No. 3 for more information on the mine. Ex Bill Larson San Diego County Pegmatite Collection, self-collected by Bill in the 1960s (with his note) and long on display at his Pala International shop in Fallbrook. An exceptional and RARE smoky quartz from the Pala Chief Mine with artistic form.