SMOKY GWINDELS ON ADULARIA

Five main crystals of fine smoky quartz, surrounded by smaller crystals of quartz and adularia, all atop a very attractive alpine feldspar matrix that's been well-trimmed for maximum display value. Best of all, the grouping features an unbelievable pairing of two gwindels intergrown with one another. The more prominent free-standing gwindel is a closed gwindel (‘sucre’ in French, the rarest variety) measuring over 4 cm with absolute textbook form. That crystal grew over the original gwindel, which has one free termination and one embedded within the other, and displays a more peculiar morphology due to its elongated growth. Any gwindels on matrix are a rarity, especially with anything more than just a small chunk of rock attached, and if you do find them on matrix it's exceedingly rare to find two gwindels on the same piece. So put two gwindels INTERGROWN on a gorgeous adularia-dominant matrix and you know you have something truly special, and something you'll most likely never see again! On top of all this, the largest prismatic crystal displays a clear rotation around its c-axis. The color of the crystals is deep and rich, the luster like a mirror, and the clarity so exceptional you can read through them. Surrounding the smokies at the base, the layer of adularia appears like a sheet of snow that adds an elegant contrast. From the Cavradi Gorge, one of the most desirable Swiss localities, especially when it comes to smoky quartz. Considering the combination of color, contrast, habit, and locale, this really is a top-notch alpine specimen. Ex. Evan Jones.