A huge natural point of quartz, collected in the high alps of Switzerland. For mineral collectors, this is classic material known for hundreds of years, but it is rare to find it in such quality at this size: it is optically transparent like glass. The Swiss quartzes are world famous for their clarity, they are better than from any other location, and literally the source of a phrase "alpine quality" to describe quartzes. These crystals, for hundreds of years, have been famed for their quality and clarity, the intense sparkly surfaces and depths of gemminess within. Mountain climbers called strahlers risk their lives each summer season to collect crystals in the high and dangerous alpine clefts, that are normally more familiar territory to skiers. These crystals are natural treasures, and hard to extract and bring down the mountain. Several old collections were formed in Switzerland; this piece is thought to have been found in the 1960s-70s as it was then with noted dealer Siber & Siber (their label included). They sold it to well known collector Brent Lockhart, who built a significant Swiss collection in the USA. 26.5 x 12.5 x 10.0cm. (10.2 x 5 x 4in.) and 1.81kg.

ex Brent Lockhart Collection