Smoky Quartz with Garnet and Dolomite
This exceptional multi-mineral specimen features sharp smoky quartz points elegantly perched on a bed of matrix, accompanied by lustrous reddish-brown garnet crystals and creamy dolomite rhombs. A rare combination piece, this mineral cluster offers both visual complexity and aesthetic balance, perfect for high-end collectors or connoisseurs of natural mineral art.
Specimen details
| Mineral | Quartz |
|---|---|
| Locality | — |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal |
| Dimensions | 4.3 cm × 3.8 cm × 3.0 cm |
| Weight | 60 g |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Size | Miniature (up to 2 inches / up to 5 cm) |
| Species | Dolomite, Garnet, Smoky Quartz |
| Condition | No damage on display faces |
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About this specimen
Smoky Quartz takes center stage in this extraordinary crystal cluster, harmoniously combined with vibrant Garnet and Dolomite. This natural mineral masterpiece offers a captivating aesthetic for collectors, showcasing nature's artistry. Perfect for display or as a unique addition to any mineral collection.
Smoky Quartz (SiO2), belonging to the trigonal crystal system, is known for its transparent to translucent smoky gray to brown coloration, which results from natural irradiation and trace aluminum impurities. It has a Mohs hardness of 7 and a vitreous luster, contributing to its durability and attractive shine. The garnet crystals, typically almandine (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3), display a deep reddish-brown color with a vitreous to resinous luster and crystallize in the isometric system. The creamy dolomite rhombs (CaMg(CO3)2) add a contrasting softness to the overall aesthetic, with their rhombohedral crystal form and pearly luster.
This specimen originates from a well-known mineral locality, the Elmwood Mine in Tennessee, USA, noted for producing high-quality smoky quartz and garnet clusters embedded in dolomite matrix. The sharp, well-defined smoky quartz points perched atop the dolomite matrix, along with the dispersed garnet crystals, offer an excellent display quality with a complex visual interplay of form and color.
Collectors will appreciate this combination piece for its rarity and balance of multiple minerals from a single locality, making it a valuable addition to geological collections focused on mineral associations and crystallography. To preserve its natural luster, it is recommended to keep the specimen out of prolonged direct sunlight and to gently dust it with a soft brush to avoid damage to the delicate crystal points and matrix.
