Alpine Minerals #11

Beautiful botryoidal malachite forming a lovely aggregate on dolomite matrix. A partial overgrowth of a second layer adds another shade of green.

Elongated, sharp and lustrous smoky quartz crystals scattered on a schist rock matrix. Only very few fine pieces were found at this now defunct locale. This is an opportunity to get a great one! Ex Gerd Stefanik collection, his label is coming with the piece.

Nicely etched fluorite crystal cluster from Zogno, Italy. The etching produced numerous new faces, rounded corners, hollow forms, all making up for a wonderful 3-dimensional structure on the front and side faces. No damage.

A group of sharp epidote crystals with very glossy faces. Light green byssolite in the middle gives a nice contrast. Knappenwand probably produced the finest epidote crystals on earth and this is a really attractive sample from this famous, classic locality. Great display from all sides. No damage, no repair.

Stunning pink fluorite octahedron with light and intense colour zones and beautiful etching patterns. No damage.

A deeply coloured, tall smoky (almost morion) crystal is accented by a smaller sidecar crossing at the base. Gorgeous luster and striations on the sides. Note the extra faces, they are indeed spectacular. Great impact and condition.

A very eye-catching floater! The upper part of the main crystal is gemmy and very translucent; it shows that most appreciated vibrant green colour. The darker area below gives a lot of contrast to the piece. No significant damages to report, looks great in each position.

A 17 x 9 mm zircon crystal sitting in perfect position on a piece of rock matrix. The composition is very aesthetic, it could not be better. No damage to report.

WOW! What an amazing smoky crystal group! Three predominant crystals are standing in upright position on a floater cluster built by smaller ones. The clarity is amazing, the luster glossy like a mirror, and the colour a very pleasing reddish brown hue. What else to look for? A great piece for the advanced alpine collector. Great composition and aesthetics.

Discovered in 1962, the "Rufibach" pocket on Vorderer Zinggenstock has set a new standard for smoky quartz that has not been surpassed until today. Aside the big amounts of regular quartz crystals some pink fluorites and even rarer, a few gwindels were recovered. This is a stunning sample that combines the superb qualities of the pocket with great twist and elegant shape. A rare chance to get one of these classic alpine jewels!