Collector’s Choice: Hematite Quartz from Orange River

This dramatic Smoky Hematite Quartz cluster from the Orange River region, Namaqualand, Northern Cape, South Africa, is a richly layered specimen featuring well-formed smoky quartz points dusted with a reddish hematite coating. The largest crystal rises prominently at the centre, its deep earthy tones accentuated by natural iron oxide, while smaller, sharply terminated points surround its base like a fortress of fire and stone.

Smoky Hematite Quartz forms in high-temperature, iron-rich hydrothermal environments. The smoky colour is caused by natural irradiation, while the red and rust hues are the result of hematitean iron oxide mineraleither coating the crystals externally or forming as internal inclusions. This interaction of radiation and iron creates spectacular colour zoning and visual texture, making each specimen one-of-a-kind.

The Orange River region is famed for its mineralogical richness and visual diversity. Ancient volcanic and tectonic activity gave rise to deep fractures and fluid pathways that enabled the growth of exceptional quartz. Minerals from this locality are prized by collectors for their colour saturation, luster, and geological significance.

With its combination of crystal sharpness, bold hematite colour, and dramatic form, this piece is a collector's favourite. Secure this unique specimen today and own a fiery fragment of South Africa's geological heartland.