Smoky Quartz

Item Description

When it comes to mineral species, people tend to associate Bolivia with Vivianite, Cassiterite and Silver species, but there is a Gold mining operation in the north (very near Viloco) that has produced some of the finest "phantom" Quartz specimens from any locality I have seen. This specimen consists of dozens of sharp, gemmy, prismatic hexagonal crystals of Quartz (var: Smoky Quartz) that range in color from colorless at the tips to to a rich nearly "morion" black hue in the centers / base, but the most impressive aspect of these crystals is the fact that they show very attractive, distinct internal "phantoms". The luster varies from glassy to frosted in areas, and virtually all of the crystals are undamaged! The specimens are reminiscent of those from Lincoln County, New Mexico, and are certainly the best of what they are from Bolivia. This piece was mined in 2000, and I have only seen a scattered few of them on the market since that time. It's also the largest one that I've seen from the mine, and in amazing condition for its size. If you're a Bolivian collector or a Quartz collector, do not pass this one up! Valued at $3,500.