{"product_id":"hematoid-quartz-with-goethite-rostowrack-china-clay-pit-cornwall-no-1","title":"Hematoid Quartz with Goethite | Rostowrack China Clay Pit, Cornwall |  No. 1","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful 160g natural smoky quartz specimen featuring a striking arrangement of translucent champagne-grey crystals growing across a contrasting milky white quartz matrix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis attractive Cornish mineral specimen combines well-defined crystal faces, delicate smoky colouring and a sculptural natural formation. Its densely intergrown crystals and contrasting textures make it an appealing piece for collectors of British quartz and natural mineral specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis distinctive specimen displays a broad cluster of smoky quartz crystals rising from a substantial pale quartz matrix, creating an attractive contrast between translucent crystalline growth and more opaque mineral material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe main crystal formation consists of numerous interlocking quartz points, ranging from smaller delicate terminations to larger, more prominent crystals with clearly defined faces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts colouring varies from soft champagne and pale smoky grey to slightly deeper taupe-brown tones, with areas of greater transparency allowing light to pass through the crystal faces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral larger crystals form the centre of the specimen, surrounded by smaller quartz points that create a densely layered and naturally irregular surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe individual crystals display a mixture of smooth, glassy faces, angular terminations and subtle internal cloudiness. Their overlapping growth produces an intricate arrangement of reflections when viewed under changing light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlong the lower portion of the specimen, the smoky quartz transitions into a predominantly milky white matrix with a more compact, opaque appearance. This provides a striking visual contrast against the translucent crystals above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eViewed from the sides, the specimen reveals further crystal development and a gently uneven profile, while the larger smoky quartz points provide an attractive focal feature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts natural shape, delicate colouring and clearly visible crystalline structure make this an excellent specimen for collectors interested in quartz morphology and Cornish mineral heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Mineral\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmoky Quartz (SiO₂)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a naturally occurring colour variety of quartz, belonging to the trigonal crystal system and possessing a Mohs hardness of 7.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts characteristic smoky colouring ranges from pale grey and champagne-brown to deep brown or almost black.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe colour develops through natural irradiation affecting certain aluminium-related defects within the quartz crystal structure. These colour centres selectively absorb light, producing the characteristic smoky appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmoky quartz commonly develops in geological environments associated with granitic rocks, hydrothermal mineralisation and quartz-bearing veins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMilky Quartz\u003c\/strong\u003e is another descriptive variety of quartz, characterised by its cloudy white appearance. This is commonly caused by numerous microscopic fluid inclusions or other internal features that scatter light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this specimen, the contrast between the translucent smoky crystals and the pale milky quartz matrix illustrates variations in the appearance of quartz within a single natural formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe crystals display characteristic quartz morphology, including prismatic growth and angular terminations. Their intergrown arrangement reflects successive or overlapping crystal development within the original geological environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCornish Geological \u0026amp; Mining Heritage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCornwall\u003c\/strong\u003e is internationally recognised for its remarkable geological diversity and extensive history of mineral extraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe county's mineral wealth is closely associated with the emplacement of granite bodies during the late stages of the Variscan mountain-building period, approximately 300 million years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese granite intrusions and the circulation of mineral-bearing fluids contributed to the development of numerous mineral veins and deposits throughout the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Cornwall is particularly celebrated for tin and copper mining, its geological environments have also produced a wide variety of collectible minerals, including quartz, fluorite, tourmaline, cassiterite and numerous metallic ore minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eQuartz occurs throughout Cornwall in several forms, including clear rock crystal, milky quartz, smoky quartz and amethystine varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn granitic and hydrothermal environments, quartz may crystallise within fractures, cavities and veins as silica-bearing fluids circulate through the surrounding rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe St Austell granite district is particularly associated with Cornwall's historic china clay industry, where the alteration of feldspar-rich granite produced extensive kaolin deposits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMineral locality records document quartz, including smoky quartz, from several Cornish workings associated with granite and china clay extraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne such locality is Rostowrack China Clay Pit at Hendra Downs, near St Dennis, where recorded mineral specimens include quartz with smoky and amethystine colouring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the precise mine or quarry provenance of this individual specimen has not been supplied, so it should not be attributed to Rostowrack or any other specific Cornish working without supporting collection information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRegardless of its precise original collecting location, the specimen provides an attractive example of the quartz mineralisation associated with Cornwall's rich geological heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIntention \u0026amp; Associated Chakras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn traditional crystal healing practices, smoky quartz is associated with grounding, protection, emotional stability and the release of unwanted energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrounding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally associated with stability, connection to the present moment and emotional balance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically connected with personal boundaries, resilience and a sense of security.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Often used as a focus for relaxation, reflection and releasing emotional tension.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Quartz is traditionally associated with mental focus, perspective and clear intention.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Chakras:\u003c\/strong\u003e Root Chakra and Solar Plexus Chakra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protection, Calm and Grounding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese associations belong to crystal healing traditions and are not scientifically established properties of smoky quartz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNatural Formation \u0026amp; Symbolism\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a naturally formed raw mineral specimen, this piece retains its original crystalline surfaces, irregular structure and exposed mineral matrix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe arrangement of multiple smoky quartz crystals growing together creates a distinctive formation that reflects the natural processes involved in crystal development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin traditional crystal symbolism, smoky quartz is associated with strength, grounding and transformation, while its transparent and translucent crystal faces are often linked with clarity and perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe contrast between the darker smoky quartz and pale milky matrix provides a beautiful symbolic representation of balance between stability and openness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMineral:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoky Quartz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChemical Formula:\u003c\/strong\u003e SiO₂\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cornwall, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Mine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not confirmed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 160g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e 84.1mm × 44.7mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal System:\u003c\/strong\u003e Trigonal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMohs Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural smoky quartz crystal cluster on milky quartz matrix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Champagne grey, smoky brown, translucent taupe and milky white\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural, unpolished\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural crystalline surfaces, irregular edges, intergrown crystal points and internal inclusions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e One individual specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou will receive the exact specimen photographed. Natural mineral specimens may contain fractures, uneven surfaces, delicate crystal points, inclusions and variations resulting from their geological formation.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDisplay stand shown in the photographs is not included.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSources \u0026amp; References\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe following resources document the geological setting, mineral occurrences and industrial heritage of Cornwall. The Rostowrack reference is provided as an example of a documented Cornish smoky quartz locality, not as confirmation of this specimen's origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mindat.org\/gl\/1198\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMindat – Rostowrack China Clay Pit, Cornwall\u003c\/a\u003e. Mineral locality record including documented smoky quartz specimens from Hendra Downs, St Dennis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mindat.org\/loc-18527.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMindat – St Dennis, Cornwall\u003c\/a\u003e. Regional mineral locality information documenting quartz and associated mineral occurrences.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.wheal-martyn.com\/our-museum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWheal Martyn Trust – Museum \u0026amp; China Clay Heritage\u003c\/a\u003e. Museum history documenting Cornwall's china clay industry and its importance to the St Austell district.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/historicengland.org.uk\/listing\/the-list\/list-entry\/1003265\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eHistoric England – Wheal Martyn China Clay Works\u003c\/a\u003e. Official heritage designation describing the historical development and industrial significance of Cornish china clay extraction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cornwallheritagetrust.org\/timeline\/industry-in-cornwall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornwall Heritage Trust – Industry in Cornwall\u003c\/a\u003e. Historical overview of Cornwall's china clay industry and its development.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eHistorical and geological references relate to Cornwall's documented mineral localities and regional mining heritage. The precise quarry or mine provenance of this individual specimen has not been independently established. Mineral identification has not been laboratory verified. No specific extraction date or individual collecting history has been confirmed.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Harpo's Angels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59262439457103,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_5453a55a-cdf8-4ded-803b-d5fe3d2f530c.jpg?v=1792951481","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/hematoid-quartz-with-goethite-rostowrack-china-clay-pit-cornwall-no-1","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}