Quartz (var Smoky)

This showy little thumbnail features a sharp, lustrous smoky quartz crystal in excellent condition with just a bit of matrix, displaying rich internal colour zoning with a deep brown core and lighter outer zones. Well-formed quartz specimens of display quality are surprisingly uncommon from this locality. The original label notes the presence of a “movable bubble when cold,” suggesting a possible fluid or gas inclusion. While movement is difficult to observe with the naked eye, a small inclusion zone is visible and may reveal more detail under magnification. Regardless, the crystal remains highly aesthetic and eye-catching, with sharp form and colour.

The specimen originates from the famous Poudrette Quarry, part of the renowned Mont Saint-Hilaire alkaline complex in Québec. Although the quarry is celebrated for producing hundreds of outstanding rare mineral species, fine quartz crystals suitable for standalone display are relatively scarce. This piece was collected by Peter Tarassoff on November 2, 1991, and comes directly from his personal collection. It represents an uncommon and attractive example of smoky quartz from one of Canada’s most important mineral localities.