Phantom Quartz Crystal Specimen – SWCV 003

Measurements:  52 x 37 x 32 mm

Description:  A stubby, light smoky quartz crystal with a few small crystals fused to its lower side. It has a lovely whitish phantom, possibly caused by a kaolin coating the 1st generation quartz, and then being coated with another layer of light smoky quartz. It has a lovely, big termination facet.

Bits of feldspar are attached to, and partially embedded in it. There are also a few dolomite crystals attached to, and partially embedded in it. There are several very small to minute, shiny (?)quartz crystals attached to the surface, that gives the specimen a shiny effect in certain areas.

The specimen displays well on a flat surface, in an upright position. There is a large pressure mark towards the lower part, and the adjoining small crystal is damaged at the back.

Weight of Specimen:  73.3 g

Chemical Composition:  SiO₂  (quartz)
                                       CaMg(CO₃)₂  (dolomite)   
                                       KAlSi₃O₈  (feldspar)
                                                   
Hardness on Mohs Scale:  (quartz)  7 
                                          (dolomite)  3.5-4
                                          (feldspar)  6 - 6.5

Location:  Vredendal Quarry, Western Cape, South Africa.

Specimen Code:   SWCV 003

US $ 65