... What could this be worth? Big Quartz

[silverstallion]

Hey guys!

Unfortunately there was a mineral store closing close by and they were having a huge sale to get rid of excess material... The rent just became way too high (they told us it doubled within a year)... anyway they had these mineral boxes that were sold as lots based on weight. I was able to get calcites, desert roses, ect... but I have to say my fav has to be the Quartz.

I plan on getting this appraised at a mineral shop a couple hours away but I wanted to share this piece with you guys first. (I don't think I'll be selling this piece, I like it way too much)

12" high x 10" x 7.5" and 12.16kgs

Origin: Brazil

Note: The bottom of this point (I forgot to picture) is covered in tiny points, I think people call it "self heal" quartz. Luckily they don't damage when the piece is standing.

If anyone wants to venture a guess at the worth of this piece go ahead and take a shot, it might take a few months before I visit Toronto for the appraisal but I can keep you guys updated when I do!

[dreamrocks]

This is as close as I could get to yours for a quick search


You can take a look I’ll look around my list for more comparisons

www.fossilera.com/minerals/13-dark-smoky-quartz-crystal-cluster-on-metal-stand-brazil

[HankRocks]

One thing to be aware of, a lot of the Smoky Quartz I see being sold is actually clear Quartz that has been artificially irradiated. It is difficult to distinguish between between the two. The natural Smokies I have seen don't seem to have a consistent dark color throughout the crystal whereas the artificial ones seems to be almost black over the whole surface of the crystal. That's really subjective and distinguishing is difficult.

[silverstallion]

Jul 1, 2024 11:36:14 GMT -5 dreamrocks said:

This is as close as I could get to yours for a quick search


You can take a look I’ll look around my list for more comparisons

www.fossilera.com/minerals/13-dark-smoky-quartz-crystal-cluster-on-metal-stand-brazil

Thanks!!! I'll take a look at their website.

[dreamrocks]

I do believe that one I posted is irrated to I also believe that most of not all black smokes are almost always treated.

[dreamrocks]

Here’s a explanation of treatment

geology.com/gemstones/smoky-quartz/

[HankRocks]

Has one of the top faces been "polished". It seems to appear that way in the picture. Most natural crystal has a good many natural striations and growth zones associated with Quartz. A very smooth, or slightly curved surface can be an indication of hand-polished. As to what that may do to value I have no idea but should be noted when selling. 

Have a friend who hand polishes damaged surfaces and sells them as healed by hand.

[silverstallion]

Jul 1, 2024 12:34:32 GMT -5 HankRocks said:

One thing to be aware of, a lot of the Smoky Quartz I see being sold is actually clear Quartz that has been artificially irradiated. It is difficult to distinguish between between the two. The natural Smokies I have seen don't seem to have a consistent dark color throughout the crystal whereas the artificial ones seems to be almost black over the whole surface of the crystal. That's really subjective and distinguishing is difficult.

Well aware but thanks for mentioning! Luckily I did buy from a reputable seller which could provide me with the mine location where they handpicked their minerals from... They're one of Canada's larger mineral imports and are known for quality, so I'm believing they were honest when they claimed all their smoky quartzes as natural and non-irradiated by artificial means.

I'll upload a few more pictures soon as some do have the clear quartz and smoky quartz on the same base. (I got a few more large pieces to add to the thread once I get the chance!)

[silverstallion]

Here is another example from the same lot... it has some "paler" quartz pieces and some darker ones... 13.2kg


This one has some "paler" smokey area in the "point" section.

[silverstallion]

Long piece with some paler (near clear) on the side and smokey.



Cluster with "clear" / smokey points.


Another nice piece

[HankRocks]

Jul 1, 2024 15:46:17 GMT -5 silverstallion said:

Here is another example from the same lot... it has some "paler" quartz pieces and some darker ones... 13.2kg


This one has some "paler" smokey area in the "point" section.

On the bottom picture, the large point leaning to the right seems to have a hand polished face as it seems a bit too smooth and somewhat beveled. 

[HankRocks]

Jul 1, 2024 15:17:10 GMT -5 silverstallion said:

Jul 1, 2024 12:34:32 GMT -5 HankRocks said:

One thing to be aware of, a lot of the Smoky Quartz I see being sold is actually clear Quartz that has been artificially irradiated. It is difficult to distinguish between between the two. The natural Smokies I have seen don't seem to have a consistent dark color throughout the crystal whereas the artificial ones seems to be almost black over the whole surface of the crystal. That's really subjective and distinguishing is difficult.

Well aware but thanks for mentioning! Luckily I did buy from a reputable seller which could provide me with the mine location where they handpicked their minerals from... They're one of Canada's larger mineral imports and are known for quality, so I'm believing they were honest when they claimed all their smoky quartzes as natural and non-irradiated by artificial means.

I'll upload a few more pictures soon as some do have the clear quartz and smoky quartz on the same base. (I got a few more large pieces to add to the thread once I get the chance!)

My guess is that "hand-picked" at the mine means they selected them from tables of already mined and cleaned and ready for sale. That's how a couple of the mines in Arkansas work, they have a room in the back that dealers can go into and buy. The crystals in there were mined, cleaned, and sorted by quality. Most of them carry irradiated quartz but it is clearly identified as such. 

Just be aware of these potential issues can be in play when buying and selling. This issue is somewhat similar to the "dyed" Brazilian agate slabs that some folks sell as natural. Those are easier to identify, the Pink and the Violet colors are too obvious to ignore.

[ThomasT]

My guess on the first one... ~$270 polished point or ~$1100+ natural.

Give or take.

Some termination tips appear polished in the images.