Quartz

specimen number:
8821995

location:
Mooralla, Victoria, Australia

description:
Glassy gemmy crystals of smoky quartz to 1.3 cm in size on matrix. The prominent crystal shows an interesting reverse scepter crystal. This is in good condition.

Mooralla, located west of the Grampians in western Victoria, Australia, is a renowned gem-fossicking locality established as a dedicated public reserve. Geologically, the area features a decomposing Eocene rhyolite flow where gas cavities, lithophysae, and miarolitic pockets formed millions of years ago. Over long periods of weathering, these volcanic rocks broke down into soft clays, preserving hollow geodes and crystal-lined pockets. Mineralogically, Mooralla is world-famous for producing exceptional specimens of smoky quartz, widely prized for their high transparency, sharp terminations, and distinct internal wisp-like patterns. Historically, local landowners and sheep shearers first discovered the loose crystals on the surface mid-century, leading to the popularization of the site among lapidary and mineral collecting circles since the 1960s.

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