Opal var. Hyalite & Gitter Quartz on Orthoclase

Erongo Mountain, Usakos and Omaruru Districts, Erongo Region, Namibia

Large Cabinet

11.6 x 3 x 2.7 cm

Quartz with this interlocking lattice of crystals from the Erongos is called "Gitter Quartz", based on the German word "Gitter”, because the specimens look a bit like a garden lattice fence. This is an extremely uncommon and unusual combination piece, featuring fluorescent Opal var. Hyalite which is encrusted upon the upper section of the quartz crystals. This fluoresces intensely under shortwave UV light. The Quartz has grown over a singular Feldspar var. Orthoclase crystal, resulting in an extremely attractive specimen. Pieces with a triple combination and good aesthetics like this rarely come to market!