Quartz var. Smoky Quartz

This spectacular group of gemmy Smoky Quartz crystals is from the Dodo mine in the Tyumenskaya Oblast' of Western Siberia, Russia.  Perched on the top of a silvery grey schistose matrix with a foliated, silky texture and lustre, the Quartz crystals radiate out from a common centre, save for one crystal off to one side.  The tallest crystal measures 10.5 cm and is mainly pale smoky clove brown capped with a colourless (non-smoky) smaller termination.  This has developed on top of the already terminated smoky termination; it’s quite difficult to describe, so do take a look a look at the photos.  Scattered and dusted between the bases of the Quartz crystals are what first appear to be micro-crystals of Pyrite but are actually platelets of Hematite probably mixed with Muscovite mica.   This is a really showy and eye-catching large cabinet specimen which will sit most comfortably in any good suite of Russian material.