GWINDEL.
The Freedom Finder
These are high-altitude crystals, looking out above the treeline at cloud-covered mountain tops, so they have interesting energy compared to other Quartz crystals. Gwindels are ethereal crystals that give calming, fresh air energy, help you gain new perspectives, promote mental clarity, and encourage total freedom. Their slow spiral energy helps get those stagnant Chakras spinning again, and they can be used to tap into your innate inner wisdom. If a Gwindel calls to you, then it's time to trust yourself to take the next steps.
Gwindel isn’t a type of crystal, more a specific habit (formation) of Quartz. Gwindels are usually Smoky Quartz, but there are some amazing and rare Clear Quartz specimens. They grow as a single tabular crystal but are uniquely twisted. They form in fissures in rocks, twisting on an axis, either right or left. Gwindels are found in Alpine regions, meaning at altitudes of 4,500 feet or higher. Most are collected by ‘Rock Hounds’ during a few months of the year when these places are accessible. They explore fissures in mountainsides by hand and carry any finds down in backpacks. This makes Gwindels rare and expensive. The most famous countries for Gwindels are in Europe, namely Austria, France, and Italy, with Switzerland producing some of the finest specimens. I have seen Gwindels from New Zealand (very, very expensive), Russia, and Brazil, but only in very small amounts. Apparently, they are also found in Namibia and Mauritania, but I have yet to see one.
Gwindel Quartz crystal. Variety, Smoky Quartz. Origin, Val Giuv Graubünden, Switzerland. Purchased from Ewout Dozy of Renew Minerals @renew_minerals
How are Gwindels formed?
Testing has shown that Gwindel crystals form at specific temperatures (350-450°C) under slight pressure, causing a spiral effect known as an Eshelby twist.
You can read the research yourself. There is a summary in the European Journal of Mineralogy (2013), Origin of twist in ‘gwindel’ quartz crystals from the Alps: a transmission electron microscopy study, P. Cordier, F. Heidelbach
Gwindel from Galenstock, Switzerland. Var. Smoky Quartz, displaying the classic tabular, twisted habit - the Eshelby twist. Purchased from Steven Goetz, MINERALIA, Bern, Switzerland. Find them via mineralia.ch
How do you pronounce Gwindel?
Gwindel is derived from the German word ‘gewunden’, meaning ‘tortuous’, used when describing something like a long twisting and winding road. Not to be confused with ‘torturous’ - painful torture or listening to your mom sing karaoke. Most of the time, you will hear people pronounce Gwindel with the ‘w’, but technically, the ‘w’ sounds like a ‘v’ in German, so it should be pronounced ‘gvin dell.’ It's the croissant of the crystal world.
Buyer’s Guide to Gwindel
Private Buyers
You will need to go to a specialist crystal and mineral shop or online dealer to locate a good Gwindel. They can be found on Etsy or via ‘fine mineral’ Instagram sellers. For a low-grade and teeny tiny Gwindel, expect to pay around €/$100. I would aim for the €/$200-300 price range to get a decent quality. Look for a transparent piece with a very visible twist to it, little damage, and type-typical tabular habit. The more transparent, the better. You will usually find Gwindels as Smoky Quartz; however, if you have some cash to burn, then you can get a water-clear colourless Clear Quartz/Rock Crystal piece. As the quality and size increase, so does the price, and a good 8-10cm specimen is going to set you back thousands. Generally, the best quality specimens come from Switzerland, and these are the ones collectors are looking for. If you want to drive yourself insane, add a New Zealand Gwindel to your bucket list - and may god have mercy on your soul.
The only Gwindel from New Zealand I’ve ever seen. It was found at the Garden of Eden Ice Plateau, Southern Alps, New Zealand. Presented by specialist US fine mineral dealer iRocks. Link here >>
Retail Buyers
This is not a crystal for spiritual stores. It is way too niche. I would only try to source one if you had a particular request. And they are not easy to source!
Specialist crystal and mineral dealers will need to develop relationships with crystal hunters in Switzerland, France and Italy to try and get some pieces. Many of these people now have Instagram and Facebook accounts where you can reach out to them. There is also the Mineral & Gem show in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, France, every year in June. Many of these crystal hunters sell at this show, and it would be the perfect opportunity to make those connections.
Quick Guide | Gwindel Quartz
Zodiac: Unsure
Ruling Planet: The ruling planet for Gwindel Quartz is the Earth.
Chakra: Gwindel Quartz is associated with the Crown (Sahastrara) Chakra.
Element: Gwindel Quartz is aligned with the element of Air.
Crystal Charging: Gwindels can be charged overnight under a full moon or in a freshwater stream. Try to pick a cloudless sky for rituals with Gwindels - they like a clear view of the stars.
Crystal Elixir: Gwindel Quartz is water-safe and so can be used to make crystal elixir, but really, why would you? Just used something cheaper and less rare. Alternatives include:
Clear Quartz for unblocking energy flows and Crown Chakra alignment.
Apophyllite for that Crown Chakra, ethereal energy. However, it does have other elements in it and is relatively soft, so only a short vibrational charging of a few minutes is advised.
Moldavite for transformation and mental unlocking. Also expensive!
Green Calcite for fresh, vibrant energy.
Crystal Care: Gwindels, just like other forms of Quartz, can be cleaned with lukewarm soapy water or a soft cloth. Avoid hot water so that the crystal does not crack with thermal shock. Clean with care!
The chemical formula for Gwindel Quartz: SiO₂