Quartz

This sculptural cluster of quartz crystals hails from the world-famous premier quartz-producing locality in the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas. The specimen features a striking intergrown formation, with a well-defined quartz plate hosting two prominent opposing crystals. The largest crystal, measuring 8 cm, boasts a gem-clear termination, enhanced by stepped-growth prism faces, while the second crystal, at 5.3 cm, exhibits broad prism and termination faces. Both hexagonal crystals display steep, sharp undamaged terminations, making this an exceptional example from the region.

Quartz from the Ouachita Mountains, particularly within the Ouachita National Forest, is highly prized by rockhounds and mineral collectors alike. This area is one of the few places in the world that consistently produces large quantities of high-quality quartz crystals. Approximately 40 active mining operations are currently operating within the National Forest, with some sites extending up to 6 acres in size. Quartz mines on private lands can cover as much as 40 to 60 acres. Despite the scale of operations, mining activity in the National Forest is carefully managed, with all sites undergoing reclamation efforts to restore the land for wildlife habitat and conservation.

*https://www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita

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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years, where he was formally appointed the Honorary Curator of Mineralogy. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal