Gwindel, smoky quartz – Jardin de Talefre, Mont Blanc, Chamonix, France
 NOT repaired! Found in 2009

Impressive, 11.5 cm long free-standing Gwindel with smoky quartz and some matrix. All the tips of the intensely curved and perfectly clear Gwindel are undamaged!!! Adulares have grown into one tip. All the quartz show an intense reddish color!
 On the back you can see the recrystallized negative imprint of a quartz crystal.
 The surface is partially dusted with a light layer of chlorite, which makes the twisted shape more three-dimensional. The Gwindel shows the particularly popular slim, strongly twisted shape that widens towards the top. These Gwindel are only very rarely found on a matrix or in combination with other crystals, as they usually break off at the narrowest point, at the base. We are all the more pleased to be able to offer such an aesthetic and rare collection item.
 As with all Alpine finds, this magnificent specimen was found by experienced mountaineers in extremely difficult to access and dangerous terrain. The French "prospectors" are called "Cristallier". The Cristalliers mostly work in the Mont Blanc massif, which is not only the highest but also one of the most technically demanding mountains in the Alps. Therefore, the majority of all mineral prospectors in this area are experienced mountain guides. To make matters worse, the terrain, the altitude and the icy temperatures are also generally banned from using coarse tools, tents and the use of helicopters. All of these components make the search in the mountains around Chamonix a unique adventure in the world and the minerals recovered special treasures!
 An aesthetic, high-quality and impressively large collector's piece from the French Alps!