Quartz (var. Gwindel), Apatite, Chlorite Group, Adularia

This highly sought-after quartz Gwindel from the Swiss Alps is a classic example of fine Alpine mineralogy. Sourced from the famous Göschenenalp, this sculptural and aesthetic cluster features sharply terminated, intergrown smoky quartz crystals. The crystals are water-clear with a subtle smoky hue, displaying variable amounts of chlorite coating and natural etching, giving the piece remarkable texture. Some prism faces remain exceptionally transparent and nearly free of chlorite, enhancing the visual depth of the specimen.

A small, translucent, lilac coloured fluorapatite crystal is present beneath the specimen—on the back side near the mass of K-feldspar (var. adularia). Alpine quartz specimens are considered among the finest in the world, with many collectors and experts regarding Swiss quartz, particularly from the Alps, as the pinnacle of quality. This specimen is a superb representation of the clarity, sharpness, and natural beauty that define Swiss Alpine mineralogy.

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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