Alpine Treasures 48
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A classic fluorite from the Gipfelkluft displaying the characteristic intergrown and modified cubic crystals for which this locality is well known. The intricate crystal architecture creates a striking three-dimensional composition and gives the specimen a distinctly Alpine character. Although the crystal faces are naturally matte rather than lustrous, they are remarkably well preserved and free from damage. Equally pleasing is the backside, where the fluorite is naturally intergrown with feldspar while remaining fully intact. The greatest attraction of this specimen is undoubtedly its color. Under strong transmitted light, the fluorite reveals an impressive range of hues, from deep violet to delicate green, with subtle intermediate shades that change noticeably depending on the character of the illumination. A fine representative of this classic Alpine locality, appreciated for its characteristic crystal habit, natural preservation, and remarkably expressive color.
Val Gronda da Cavrein, Vorderrheintal, Graubünden, Switzerland
Size: 5.1 x 4.9 x 2.5 cm
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This well-balanced quartz specimen features an exceptionally aesthetic group of three beautifully arranged crystals gracefully rising from a natural feldspar matrix. All three crystals are perfectly sharp and in pristine condition, with no visible damage. While a few subtle internal clouds are present, the quartz remains highly transparent and of excellent overall quality. The combination of those fine crystals on the crystallized feldspar matrix makes this a charming and elegant piece of outstanding visual appeal.
Bruchgraben, Hollersbach valley, Hohe Tauern, Salzburg, Austria
Size: 13.3 x 9.5 x 8 cm
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A beautiful Alpine paragenesis of calcite and adularia, accented by several vivid green titanite crystals and a few delicate rutile needles. Measuring 13.3 cm across, the specimen has an impressive presence while retaining a very natural appearance.
The highlight is the prominent 1.5 cm titanite crystal near the upper center. It displays a sharp crystal form and an intense green color that immediately catches the eye. Additional smaller titanite crystals are distributed across the specimen, providing attractive splashes of color.
The calcite and adularia crystals form a lively, well-balanced association with excellent three-dimensional character. Fine rutile needles can be found upon closer inspection, adding another interesting detail. The overall condition is very good, making this a fine and characteristic Alpine specimen.
Sandkopf, Kleines Fleißtal, Hohe Tauern, Carinthia, Austria
Size: 10.3 x 7.5 x 5.5 cm
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An exceptional sceptre quartz with a massive head composed of a dense cluster of individual crystals on a somewhat rough stem. Every crystal is razor sharp, highly lustrous and transparent, creating a remarkably intricate and sculptural appearance. The specimen reveals more and more detail the longer it is examined, with countless finely developed crystal faces and subtle features throughout. It is in excellent condition all around, making this a particularly attractive, impressive and well-preserved example of this uncommon growth habit.
Hopffeldgraben, Obersulzbachtal, Pinzgau, Salzburg, Austria
Size: 8.6 x 5.1 x 4.6 cm
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Kainosite is among the rarest Alpine minerals, and the Hopffeldgraben in Austria has produced some of the world's finest collector specimens.
This attractive matrix specimen features a sparkling surface of countless small quartz crystals, naturally sculpted into a form reminiscent of an Alpine peak. Crowning the summit is a beautifully developed 5 mm kainosite crystal whose strong orange color immediately draws the eye and forms the focal point of the composition.
The contrast between the bright, glittering quartz matrix and the warm-colored kainosite gives the specimen a particularly harmonious and natural appearance. The well-developed crystal is impressive for the species and perfectly positioned, creating a remarkably balanced composition.
A fine representative of this classic locality, combining the beauty of a natural Alpine composition with an unusually well-developed crystal of one of the rarest Alpine minerals.
Krumltal, Rauris, Pinzgau, Salzburg, Austria
Size: 12.9 x 7 x 5.1 cm
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This outstanding single quartz crystal measures 12.9 × 7.0 × 5.1 cm and immediately impresses with its exceptional transparency and brilliant luster. Clear as water, it possesses a remarkable purity that beautifully emphasizes its sculptural form. The crystal displays a lively, flowing habit with pronounced three-dimensional character. Fully crystallized on all sides, it offers an attractive appearance from every angle and conveys the natural elegance so highly appreciated in fine Alpine quartz. Apart from a few minute abrasions, the crystal is in excellent condition and remarkably well preserved. A beautiful Alpine quartz, combining exceptional crystal quality with an elegant and naturally sculptural form.
Cavradi, Val Curnera, Tujetsch, Graubünden, Switzerland
Size: 4.5 x 3.7 x 0.7 cm
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A distinctive hematite specimen from the Cavradi Gorge, featuring a single, freestanding hematite plate measuring 4.5 cm across. Fully crystallized on both sides, it is an elegant and rather unusual example of Alpine hematite. The broad crystal plate displays a bright metallic luster on both the front and the reverse, with crisp edges and beautifully developed surfaces throughout. The overall condition is excellent, with only a few minute abrasions that are barely discernible and do not detract from its appearance. Delicate microcrystals of rutile, quartz, and albite are scattered across the specimen, adding subtle mineralogical interest while preserving the clean, sculptural character of the hematite. An attractive and uncommon Cavradi specimen, appreciated for its unusual crystal habit, fine preservation, and excellent metallic luster.
Cavradi, Val Curnera, Tujetsch, Graubünden, Switzerland
Size: 10.3 x 10 x 5.5 cm
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A classic quartz specimen from the Cavradi Gorge, displaying the characteristic association of clear Alpine quartz with lustrous hematite and vivid red rutile crystals. Small remnants of matrix complete the composition, preserving the specimen's natural appearance. The quartz crystals are transparent, sharply developed, and well balanced. Dark metallic hematite provides a striking contrast to the bright quartz and pale matrix, while the fiery red rutile crystals add a vivid splash of color and complete this classic Cavradi paragenesis. The reverse has been completely recrystallized rather than broken away, preserving the specimen's natural growth and adding to its overall appeal. A fine representative of this renowned Alpine locality, appreciated for its characteristic mineral association, natural preservation, and balanced aesthetics.
Grieswies, Rauris, Pinzgau, Salzburg, Austria
Size: 5.9 x 4.2 x 2.3 cm
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This impressive scheelite crystal from the upper Rauris Valley displays a well-preserved natural crystal form. Although the edges are somewhat rounded rather than sharply defined, the original crystal habit remains clearly recognizable from all sides. The greatest attraction of the specimen is its exceptional color. In direct warm light, the crystal reveals an intense orange hue with vivid reddish overtones, appearing even more vibrant than can be captured in photographs. Apart from a single small imperfection on the reverse, the specimen is in excellent condition and retains its natural character throughout. A fine Alpine scheelite, appreciated for its remarkable color, impressive size, and well-preserved natural crystal form.