Quartz

specimen number:
1052648

location:
Ofenhorn, Binn, Goms, Valais, Switzerland

description:
The top of this matrix is covered with needlelike colorless to slightly smoky crystals of quartz. In good condition with minimal damage present. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video. The original acquisition date for this piece is given is 1908.

The Ofenhorn, a mountain peak located on the border between the Binntal in Switzerland and the Alpe Veglia in Italy, is a legendary alpine locality for high-quality rock crystal quartz. Geologically, the area is part of the Monte Leone nappe, characterized by metamorphic gneisses and schists that were fractured during the Alpine orogeny, creating hydrothermal fissures where silica-rich fluids crystallized into exceptionally clear quartz. These fissures, or "kluft" openings, often host quartz associated with other specialized alpine minerals like anatase, hematite, and various sulfosalts. Historically, the collection of quartz at the Ofenhorn has been carried out for centuries by traditional Swiss prospectors known as strahlers. While there has never been a large-scale industrial mining or quarrying operation on the peak due to its rugged terrain and protected status within the Binntal Landscape Park, active crystal hunting has been documented since the 18th century and continues through 2026 under local permit systems.

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