Unusual, floater Smoky Quartz (Bonisoli Coll.)

Item Description

One usually thinks of Switzerland or France for fine Alpine smoky quartz specimens. Here is a definite exception with a striking, very aesthetic, two crystal cluster of water-clear crystals from near Monte Bianco. This is a complete all-around, doubly terminated, floater specimen with fine light smoky color. The two crystals couldn't be anymore different in their shape, one equant and one bladed. Many of the termination faces and crystals sides are etched from chlorite, that has since been dissoloved away and giving a striking, intensely sparkly appearance. Very interestingly, other faces on the sides and back are totally untouched by chlorite and etching and are water-clear. Faces and the base are contacted, but are totally crystallized. Nearly pristine, with only very trivial termination wear to the smoky blade and bruising elsewhere. Material from this less well-known Italian locality is seldom on the market and this is an outstanding example. Ex Bonisoli Collection. A dramatic and fine smoky quartz. Valued at $750-1000.