Smoky Quartz (with phantoms) (fine quality)

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 several very sharp, highly lustrous, gemmy, prismatic hexagonal crystals of Quartz (var: Smoky Quartz) that range in color from nearly colorless at the tips to a lovely smoky hue in the centers / bases. The most impressive aspect of these crystals is the fact that they show very attractive, distinct internal "phantoms". The luster is better than the majority of the specimens I've seen from the locality, and virtually all of the crystals are undamaged on the display side! 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. Most of these pieces were badly damaged, but this one is in amazing condition for its size. If you're a Bolivian collector or a Quartz collector, do not pass this one up! Valued at $750.