Alpine Treasures 47
Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Rhone-Alpes, France
Size: 7 x 6.3 x 6.1 cm
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A smoky quartz gwindel of unusual and striking form. The massive crystal rests at a distinct angle on a light granite matrix and is accompanied by several smaller smoky quartz side crystals that frame the specimen in a very balanced and aesthetic way. The gwindel itself displays excellent transparency without internal fractures or distracting inclusions, allowing the characteristic smoky coloration to appear particularly clear and vibrant.
The crystal surfaces are slightly rough due to fine chlorite deposits, a feature that is typical for smoky quartz specimens from the Chamonix region. Despite this subtle texture, the surfaces remain bright and lustrous.
Please note that the piece is repaired as the crystal group detached from the matrix and had to be reattached. The entire main gwindel is perfectly preserved though, free of any damage or even minor signs of wear.
At the right end there is a natural contact, which reflects the specimen’s formation within an alpine fissure and does not detract from its visual appeal.
An outstanding piece from the French Alps, combining high quality with a distinctive and highly aesthetic appearance.
Grieswies, Rauris, Pinzgau, Salzburg, Austria
Size: 8.2 x 6 x 4.9 cm
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What you see here is an unusually vibrant sculpture composed of white pericline with chlorite and quartz.
As can already be seen in the image, this sculpture consists of two pericline aggregates held together by a quartz crystal.
The entire formation is crystallized all around, making it a true floater group. Which side should be considered the “front” is ultimately a matter of personal taste. The side shown in the image is beautifully white, which is why we have chosen it as the front. The opposite side is characterized by chlorite and quartz crystals, yet it is equally perfect and exceptionally lively in appearance.
This specimen has been part of the collection of Karl Podpeskar since the 1980s. He found it himself and was always very proud of it.
Mitteldorfer Graben, Virgen Valley, East Tyrol, Austria
Size: 6.8 x 5.5 x 5.1 cm
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When it comes to composition and aesthetics, one can only speak of perfection here!
The quartz specimen consists of beautifully arranged, transparent, and highly lustrous crystals, which are in top-notch condition all around.
The beauty really lies in the details here!
The combination of larger and smaller crystals, the three-dimensional arrangement, all of this looks like it's straight out of a textbook.
All crystals are undamaged, with only sporadic contacts visible.
The quartz sits on a thin piece of gray matrix, which is also nicely crystallized on the underside.
An absolutely fantastic specimen.
In the Mitteldorfer Graben, well-known large quartz crystals were found in the 1970s. However, when it comes to beautifully balanced cabinet size specimens, this might just be the finest!
Gamskar, Krumltal, Rauris, Salzburg, Austria
Size: 13.6 x 8.5 x 4.4 cm
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A truly beautiful pericline specimen accompanied by scattered quartz crystals, displaying outstanding overall quality and aesthetics. The piece is perfectly crystallized all around, including the reverse side and all outer edges, which are completely flawless. The pericline crystals are blocky and well-formed, showing a characteristic porcelain-like appearance combined with a bright, glossy surface luster. Between the pericline crystals, transparent quartz crystals are attractively distributed, adding depth and contrast to the composition. In addition, small calcite crystals occur throughout the piece, and here and there delicate rutile needles can be found, providing fine and subtle highlights for the attentive observer. An excellent specimen with classic Alpine aesthetics — refined, balanced, and highly displayable from every angle.
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This specimen is nicely attractive and historically important. This piece is from the historic find at Pfitsch in South Tyrol. Reportedly this dates back to somewhere around the year 1900 and was discovered at the southern foot of the Rotbachlspitze, a summit right at the border of Austria and Italy. It features a single 1.7 cm main crystal on a characteristic matrix, covered in small periclines and rutiles. The rutile has a damage at the backside but the whole front is flawless. It’s a lovely specimen in person, but most importantly it’s a rarity from this historic find!
Val Gronda da Cavrein, Vorderrheintal, Graubünden, Switzerland
Size: 7.1 x 5.9 x 5.6 cm
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Whitish quartz crystals sit on a rock matrix richly covered with green epidotes. I very much like the contrast of white and green here, which makes the piece unusual and attractive. Apart from the tiniest abrasions at the tip, the entire piece is in excellent condition.
Schiedergraben, Felbertal, Mittersill, Salzburg, Austria
Size: 8.4 x 6.5 x 5.6 cm
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This specimen features a single 2.1 cm sphene crystal perched on a crystallized matrix. The matrix is composed of gray calcite, silvery-green chlorite, and smaller sphene crystals scattered across the surface. The main sphene crystal is sharp, glossy, and displays a rich moss-green color. It is completely undamaged, with no signs of wear. The back of the crystal is partially covered in chlorite, while the front remains clean and highly reflective, showcasing its natural luster. A simple yet elegant piece, with a clear representation of natural mineral growth.
Galmihorn, Münster, Wallis, Switzerland
Size: 4.1 x 3.6 x 1.2 cm
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This crystal from the Galmihorn has a classic form with a subtle twist. While its overall shape and rotation are traditional, the edges show some unique irregularities, likely due to natural resorption and re-crystallization. Upon closer inspection, there are no signs of damage—no scratches or chips—just a smooth, clean surface. The crystal itself is clear and free from internal fractures, maintaining a sharp, pristine appearance. A solid and well-preserved piece for any collector who appreciates the fascinating beauty of natural formations.
Cavradi, Val Curnera, Tujetsch, Graubünden, Switzerland
Size: 6.5 x 4.2 x 2.8 cm
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A highly expressive specimen featuring black schorl dramatically positioned on transparent quartz from the Cavradi gorge. The schorl displays an exceptionally distinctive form, reminiscent of a breaking wave — or like half of an iron rose, if you prefer Alpine mineral comparisons — rising prominently above the clear quartz matrix. This sculptural growth gives the piece remarkable movement and presence. The tourmaline formation itself is composed of hundreds of microcrystals, which together create this striking, glittering structure with a lively surface texture. Upon closer inspection of the reverse side, fine hematite can also be found as is characteristic for the locale. An aesthetic and mineralogically intriguing piece, combining dynamic form, stark contrasting, and the classic associations of this famous alpine locality.
Floitengrund, Zillertaler Alpen, North Tyrol, Austria
Size: 4.9 x 2 x 1.5 cm
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It's small but extremely charming in person! The single main crystal is accompanied by smaller side-crystals and white feldspar. Its green coloring from included chlorite and byssolite provides an excellent contrast. Above all, the quality of the main crystal is remarkable. It is crystal clear, highly lustrous, and absolutely flawless.
Grieswies, Rauris, Pinzgau, Salzburg, Austria
Size: 7.6 x 4.7 x 4.4 cm
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A quite lovely combination of blocky white pericline and white calcite that is well crystallized all around and in perfect condition. The larges pericline has remarkable 5 cm in diameter. It is well developed, sharp and has splendid luster. The combination of these two white minerals lacks contrast, but makes up for that with its extraordinary elegance and beauty!
Val Giuv, Tujetsch, Vorderrhein Valley, Graubünden, Switzerland
Size: 8 x 3.8 x 3.1 cm
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This skeletal smoky quartz crystal is in completely flawless condition from bottom to top! The crystals reveals some of its original prism shape but every surface is etched and nicely structured. The interior is all glassy and with a warm brown color. A rare skeletal crystal from Val Giuv.