The Planggenstock Crystal Treasure Unearthed

For millions of years an unrivalled treasure has grown inside the Planggenstock in the Gotthard massiv. Until it was discovered by Paul von Känel on 2005.

It all began in the autumn of 1993, when Paul von Känel discovered fluorite crystals at the Planggenstock in the Swiss Canton of Uri. In 2005, Paul von Känel and Franz von Arx's 10 years of search was crowned with success: It was the biggest find of crystals in the Alps of the last 400 years: 2 tons of cairngorn crystals, in 45 big formations.

On September 21st 2005 the crystal hunters Franz von Arx and Paul von Känel opened up a cavity in the rock of their exploratory mine on the Planggenstock peak in the canton of Uri. There, glinting in the light of their torches, were almost fifty large, unusually clear and perfectly formed quartz crystals and crystal clusters. The two were looking at one of the largest and most important finds which the alps had yielded for around 300 years.

In 2010, this unique treasure was acquired by the Natural History Museum Bern. Since May 2011 it has been part of the Museum's significant collection of Alpine minerals, evoking awe and wonder in everyone who sees it.

Franz Von Arx inside the cave.

Paul von Känel and Franz von Arx Taking the crystals out of the cave.

Paul von Känel and Franz von Arx Taking the crystals out of the cave.

Paul von Känel Taking the crystals out of the cave.

Paul von Känel and Franz von Arx with the crystals.

Paul von Känel with the crystals

Franz von Arx  and Paul von Känel with the crystals

Planggenstock treasure, whfich is exhibited at the Natural History Museum in Bern.

Planggenstock treasure, which is exhibited at the Natural History Museum in Bern.

For millions of years an unrivalled treasure has grown inside the Planggenstock in the Gotthard massiv. Until it was discovered by Paul von Känel on 2005.