Smoky Quartz - Talèfre, Mont-Blanc, Alps, France - Height: 20.0 cm - Width: 18.0 cm- 2207 g

Watch a video of this specimen by following the Vimeo link below: https://vimeo.com/1118853260/ddd78e7363

Smoky quartz is the treasure of the alpine cristalline massifs, especially in the Mont-Blanc: sought after by the earliest pionneering settlers since prehistorical times, 'rock crystal' is still extracted nowadays by skillful cristalliers and strahlers.
The perfect shapes, crystal surface patterns and internal colour with plays of light fascinate both experienced mineral collectors and ingenuous eyes.

Here is a splendid large 'plate' of wonderful rich brown colour smoky quartz from the Talèfre glacier basin, Mont-Blanc, displaying sharp, very lustrous crystals!
Note the slatted surface pattern, revealing macromosaic structure.

Ex coll. O. Fumery.
O. Fumery gathered up over 30 years an extensive collection of about 600 accurately selected French minerals, including rare localities and outstanding regional specimens.