Quartz crystals in vug in limestone from Diamond Point near Payson, Arizona Close-up of quartz crystal etched free of calcite that was originally encasing the quartz

This specimen didn't look like much when originally found in the field. The vug was nearly full of calcite and only the broken ends of the two front quartz crystals were showing. Careful and selective application of muriatic acid eventually etched away enough calcite to reveal the pristine quartz crystall hiding in the back of this vug. For the collectors and traders out there, I've put a value of $35 on this specimen ( #M34). BACK