After months of searching, we have discovered a major pegmatite in the Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia.

The smoky quartz crystals are well formed terminated and, in some cases, transparent. Some of the crystals have inclusions of rutile and black tourmaline. Large weather-worn black tourmaline crystals on the surface led to the discovery of this pegmatite and from surface indications we can assume that the area is extensive. Much of the smoky quartz on the market currently is irradiated white or clear quartz from Hot Springs, Arkansas and other world-wide localities.

In the 1940's the area was mined for crystals for use in radios and it has been reported that crystals up to 250 lbs were mined.

At depth, all the crystals were clear although twinning rendered the crystals useless for use radios.

The mines ceased to operate and fossickers scavanged the mine dumps for many years uncovering perfect smoky quartz, and clear quartz crystals, often with unusual inclusions.

One of the largest faceted crystal quartz in the world was cut from a crystal found in this area. The cut gem, named 'Goliath', now resides in the National Museum of Victoria along with a fine collection of faceted gems from the 'Alec Amess' collection.

Some of the crystals found recently are 12" long and 4" - 5" across. We are currently cleaning and preparing the specimens for sale and processing into carvings.

If you are interested in any of the crystals pictured below, please write for details.

Crystal King Mine