Smoky Quartz and Hematite, with Calcite

Item Description

Glassy and gemmy di-pyramidal "beta-style" Smoky Quartz crystals richly and aesthetically cover much of this cabinet specimen from the historic Florence Mine in Cumbria, England. The Quartz crystals range up to just over 1 cm, and tucked among them are fields of finely-bladed, grey-black Hematite. The matrix is massive, reddish Hematite (basically entrapped Kidney Ore), and though there is a little bit of expected wear on this very old piece, it is no effect on the attractiveness of the piece. This is a fine example of an English classic. Many but not all of these date to the 1800s, and in any case it is certainly NOT contemporary! They have a unique sparkle and contrast to them, unequalled from other finds. From our special collection sale, direct to auction, of choice material from the collection of Richard Rossi, East Coast collector and Mineralogical Record Fellow.