Cavradi gorge

20 | 05 | 2022

Alpine  |  Quartz  |  Europe  |  Calcite

The famous spot for wonderful hematite crystals in combination with smoky quartz in Switzerland

Talking of Cavradi you simply think of wonderful Hematite crystals in combination with light coloured smoky quartz at its best. A unique combination, that hasn’t been found at other localities in this quality so far and made this locality famous through out the world. For decades swiss Strahler are working in this small spot to discover these wonderful crystals.

View into the famous Cavradi gorge with its steeps slopes (F: Matthias Benz)

View into the famous Cavradi gorge with its steeps slopes (F: Matthias Benz)

The hematite crystals are simply magic. With sizes up to 10cm the tabular crystals are sitting on the matrix or on quartz crystals. Especially thicker crystals are showing wonderful faces with great lustre. In some cases, small rutile crystals are grown on the faces.

Especially the combination with wonderful quartz crystals in different varieties makes the spot so special. Quartz was found in a wide range. From pure rock crystals until dark coloured smoky quartz everything was found. Amethyst was found pretty rare but also in very good specimens. But in terms of quartz the light cognac coloured smoky quartzes are simply sticking out. Water clear and with unbelievable lustre they are forming wonderful groups with an outstanding aesthetic.

Exceptional hemataite-snake with adularia (Streglia) – 10,8 x 4,6cm (C: Private collection / F: Christian Hager)

Exceptional hemataite-snake with adularia (Streglia) – 10,8 x 4,6cm (C: Private collection / F: Christian Hager)

There are a lot of other minerals found in these alpine clefts. From light yellow calcite over strontianit to adular, anatas and a bunch of rare minerals there was a huge variety discovered.

Simply have a look at the following wonderful specimens. They are all from the wonderful book “Cavradi”, displaying the hall of fame of swiss and international collections. Set together by Patrick Reith, Jochen Mattis and Teodosi Venzin with great photos shot by Christian Hager. Thanks to the team that we got the chance to use them in our blog!

Autor / Author
Matthias Benz / Germany
www.matthiasbenz.de