Faden Quartz from the Zhob Mine, Pakistan – Transparent Crystal Group on Base

This Faden Quartz specimen from the Zhob Mine in Balochistan, Pakistan, shows a slender group of intergrown Quartz crystals with a clearly visible whitish faden structure inside. Large parts of the crystals are transparent, allowing a good view of the characteristic central growth zone.

The specimen measures 4.6 × 2.4 × 1.5 cm and weighs 23.5 g including the acrylic base. The base measures 25 × 25 × 12 mm. Due to its upright, three-dimensional structure, the faden feature can be observed well from different viewing angles.

Transparent Faden Quartz with a clearly visible growth zone

From the outer areas far into the crystal interior, the Quartz crystals are predominantly transparent. Toward the central zone, they become translucent to opaque, causing the whitish faden structure to stand out clearly from the more transparent crystal areas.

The characteristic faden forms through repeated fracturing and rehealing during crystal growth. This process leaves a light-colored, thread-like growth zone inside the Quartz, which gives Faden Quartz its name.

Another notable feature is that additional Quartz crystals or crystal sections appear to originate from and continue growing out of this central faden zone. The faden structure therefore forms not only a clearly visible internal feature, but also a central area from which the three-dimensional crystal group develops.

The individual Quartz crystals are intergrown and oriented in different directions. Together they form a narrow, three-dimensional group with numerous crystal faces and terminations.

Faden Quartz from Zhob in Balochistan

The Zhob region of Balochistan, Pakistan, is internationally known for aesthetic Faden Quartz specimens. Particularly characteristic are transparent to translucent crystal groups in which the whitish faden structure can be clearly traced through the crystal interior.

This specimen is especially notable for the contrast between the transparent outer crystallization and the lighter central faden zone. The crystals continuing to grow outward from this area give the specimen an unusually three-dimensional and sculptural appearance.

Its slender shape and presentation on a small acrylic base further emphasize the character of the crystal group.