Quartz (var. Himalayan)

This variety of quartz is interesting due to the elongated, tapered, needle-like structure. They have formed in pockets full of intersecting crystals, often coming out in jumbled masses of doubly terminated quartz needles (as seen here). The forest green colouring is due to the rich microscopic chlorite inclusions. When held in hand, one might think the crystals would have a matte appearance but when shifted one can see the bright stepped sheen of the quartz. This specimen is a classic example of the "Himalayan" quartz habit!

DDJ