Smoky Quartz, Chlorite. Presumed Uri, Switzerland. ...

Description

Smoky Quartz, Chlorite
Presumed Uri, Switzerland

Localities dotting the picturesque Swiss Alps are responsible for producing some of the most sought after Smoky Quartz to date. Characteristic of other alpine and pegmatitic settings, the Quartz in this specimen have a uniform smokiness. Each crystal, with the largest reaching 5.8 centimeters, is transparent, well terminated, and is presented atop a matrix of amorphous Quartz and dark green Chlorite. In front of a polarized white screen, the Smoky Quartz has a nice dichroism, transitioning between slightly clearer and darker brown hues. A thin layer of microcrystalline Chlorite is dusted across the terminations, and some side faces, of the Smoky Quartz. The dark brown, grey, and black colors in Smoky Quartz are attributed to two factors: trace amounts of aluminum and the Quartz crystal's exposure to gamma radiation; some Smoky Quartz specimens seen on the market have been enhanced by artificial irradiation and heat treating techniques.

More Information: This specimen is in excellent condition.


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