Quartz (var Smokey), Microcline

This piece features smoky quartz crystals with microcline inclusions, giving them a distinctive speckled, snowy appearance. The backside of the specimen presents a nearly 50/50 mix of cleaved smoky quartz and microcline. A rare and interesting example from this unique locality. It comes from the Lovejoy Gravel Pit, where the so-called "gravel" is actually decomposed pegmatite from in-situ ledges. Collectors have historically worked the "rotten stone" ledges. Material from this locality is seldom seen on the market.

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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.