Smoky Quartz (uncommon locale)

Item Description

When it comes to mineral species, people tend to associate Bolivia with vivianite, cassiterite, silver species and large amethyst crystals, but there is a gold mining operation in the north that has produced some of the finest "phantom" quartz specimens from any locality we have seen. This impressive, large specimen consists of dozens of sharp, gemmy, prismatic pseudohexagonal crystals of smoky quartz to 6.5 cm that range in color from a very pale smoky color to a rich nearly "morion" black, 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, and most of the crystals are undamaged. The damaged crystals are concentrated on the periphery. 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 probably mined in 2000, and I have only seen a scattered few of them on the market since that time. The included, custom-made and engraved lucite "Sunnywood" base valued at $275 his cost, is a bonus from the previous owner, to the specimen at auction.