 | Quartz
I have been looking for crystals since more than 30 years. Quartz, the
primary rock among crystals, is my favourite mineral. In my private
collection 90 per cent of the exhibits are rock crystals, small and
large, single points and groups, bright, water-clear, smoky
(cairngorms), black (morione), thread quartzes, window quartzes, rung
quartzes and phantom quartzes. I am bewitched by crystals.
The
Binn valley was my favourite ground for several years; I have been
visiting other areas since 10 years. 3 years ago I was drawn back to
the Binn valley. The glaciers had retreated remarkably during the warm
summers, hence setting free new grounds for crystal hunters. That was
the reason why I decided to pay a visit to the peripheral area of the
Gischi glacier. I knew this hunting ground from earlier days. Hence, I
set off for the Binn valley. I drove the car to the very end of the
Leng valley. From there, a long and strenuous ascent to the Chriegalp
valley began. An unforgettable morning atmosphere lay over the
Helsenhorn group, in the background the reddened peaks of the Bernese
Alps were awakening. Like a giant quartz the tower rose, which
separates the areas of the Wanni and the Gischi glaciers. In such
moments one is in harmony with oneself and the world.
After an
ascent of 3 1/2 hours I reached my aim, the Gischi glacier. Now the
meticulous search for quartz veins, cracks and fissures began. There
are plenty, but they are all empty, exploited by crystal hunters, who
arrived here before me with the same intent. Also the rocks freed from
the glacier had been searched, even from below the ice layer empty
pockets grin at me. I suppose that the glacier must have set this zone
free once before, centuries ago.
In the meantime afternoon had
arrived. Together with weakening powers, hope for success was ever
decreasing. I decided to descend. Then, suddenly, a sparkle; from
within a narrow cleft a small crystal is blinking at me, a sceptre
quartz, small yet as clear as glass. At this site I spent the following
hour. Only with a thin, long hook (stoker) was I able to fiddle out 26
sceptre quartz crystals. Carefully I wrap up the little gems and set
off for home. After arriving there, the small treasures receive a fresh
bath. It is not before now that I recognise the perfect quality, the
variety of shapes and the diamond-like sparkle of these jewels. Now
they are in my collection, boasting and on their way to outstripping
the other quartz levels.
Kurt Loretan, crystal hunter |
