Chalcedony on Smoky Quartz “casts” after Laumontite

This locality in the Cripple Creek District (purportedly in an old mine shaft) produced unique epimorphs or "casts" of Smoky Quartz and Chalcedony replacing Laumontite. The Smoky Quartz has a distinctive muted silvery-grey color, with very little luster and a somewhat stalactite-esque growth due to the way the Quartz overgrew the preexisting Laumontite. The lack of luster on the Quartz is most likely due to a micro coating of Chalcedony.

The biggest problem that faced most of these specimens is serious damage, and this piece not only has excellent aesthetics, but is in great condition overall compared to most from the find that were in terrible shape and did not display very well. This is one of the best pieces of the material that I’ve offered for sale and is a personal favorite of mine due its thick / stout nature. It is more than just a Quartz specimen. This is a unique discovery and would make any Quartz or “cast” collector very happy. This piece was collected in 2010 by Quinton Cross and Ralph Buck.

Specimen# CO712B92