Quartz ("Faden") (RARE matrix piece!)

Tole (Tui), Wana, South Waziristan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Pakistan
Large Cabinet, 16.7 x 9.2 x 4.6 cm
Start Time: 07/06/2017 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 07/13/2017 7:06:21 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Quartz is beloved for it thousands of habits found around the world. Some of the most distinctive Quartz specimens found in Alpine deposits are the attractive "Faden" crystal groups. This specimen shows the classic "Faden" (German word for string) form that are well known from this locality. The piece exhibits very striking "Fadens" that run through the length of the superb, sharp, highly lustrous, colorless, GEM/gemmy, parallel growth crystals creating this beautiful display specimen. The largest "Faden" measures 2.8 cm long. The most important aspect of the piece is not the "Fadens", but the fact that they are aesthetically sitting on MATRIX! I have only seen a handful of pieces of "Faden" Quartz from Pakistan on matrix, and this one is exceptionally attractive and balanced. More than worthwhile for any collector to add to their collection. The overall quality of the Quartz "Fadens" is very good, and nearly as lustrous and gemmy as any I've seen from this area. It would rival many superb true Alpine "Fadens" for size, quality and displayability. There are only a few contacted crystals, but most are undamaged. These Pakistani pieces seemed to have dried up in recent years, and I personally think they are highly underappreciated for what they are. Easily valued at $1000 for the quality, size and the rare matrix. Enjoy.

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