Faden Quartz on Black Acrylic Base from Zhob, Pakistan

Colorless to clear quartz crystals form a parallel intergrown crystal group with a clearly visible white faden line. The transparent to translucent crystals show a vitreous luster and create a delicate, three-dimensional miniature specimen.

The pale thread runs across parts of the aggregate and is the characteristic feature of this distinctive growth form. The parallel intergrowth of the crystals and the internal faden line define the mineralogical appearance of the specimen.

Faden Quartz from the Zhob District

The Zhob District is located in the Pakistani province of Balochistan. Clear quartz crystals and faden quartz with different crystal forms are known from the region.

Faden quartz forms when a growing quartz crystal is repeatedly pulled apart and the resulting gaps are filled with new quartz material. This creates the characteristic white, thread-like line inside the crystal.

With dimensions of 4.0 × 2.6 × 1.5 cm, this is a miniature specimen. The total weight, including the black acrylic base, is approximately 7.4 g. Its particular appeal lies in the visible faden line and the parallel intergrown crystal group.