Clear quartz - Penas Blancas, Colombia | Ref. 343

Specimen overview

This clear quartz from Peñas Blancas, in the Santander Department of Colombia, is dominated by a particularly elongated prismatic crystal with a well-formed termination. Its flat, lustrous faces display fine horizontal striations that become especially visible as the light moves across the specimen.

The crystal’s high degree of transparency reveals its internal structure, including natural veils, fractures and a few cloudier areas. These features create varied reflections without obscuring the overall clarity of the quartz.

Several secondary crystals grow along one side and around the lower part of the specimen. Two adjoining points project from the side of the main crystal, while smaller crystallisations are visible around its base. Their arrangement adds relief to the specimen and emphasises the elongated form of the principal crystal.

Collected in 2019, this specimen is distinguished by its height of 183 mm, its well-defined termination and the contrast between the large central crystal and the secondary crystallisations.

Provenance

This specimen comes from Peñas Blancas, in the Santander Department of Colombia. Located in the mountainous Andean region of north-eastern Colombia, Santander has a long mining tradition. Quartz crystals from this area are particularly appreciated for their elongated prismatic forms and transparency.

Dimensions and presentation

The specimen measures 54 mm in width and 183 mm in height. It weighs 770 g with the base.

It is mounted on an acrylic base.