Smoky Quartz ("Gwindel")

Item Description

Despite the numerous "Alpine-type" localities in the high mountains in the Gilgit-Baltistan area of Pakistan, there are very few "Gwindel" Quartz specimens found. I have only seen a few of them in the last 25+ years. This piece certainly reminds me of a European Alpine specimens as it shows a slight "twisted" form that makes this habit so distinctive. It's notably sharp with excellent glossy luster on the front and a beautiful internal smoky hue. What really makes the piece stand out is the fact that it's WATER CLEAR in areas, which is not common for most Quartz from this part of Pakistan. Remarkably, the piece is nearly a "floater" as it's crystallized on the bottom (small Quartz crystals can be seen underneath), with only a few contacts here and there. While it's not completely damage free, it's in very good shape overall. The piece is accompanied by a label from Herb Obodda, which honestly really reassuring because I'm sure Herb personally acquired it on one of his buying trips to Pakistan years ago. Great qaulity for what it is, and if you collect Pakistani minerals, this is a rarity for the country. If you collect Quartz, this is wonderful novelty to add to your collection.