The job of a crystal cutter in Chamonix consists of searching for natural rock crystals in the high mountains in order to trade them. The richness of the Mont-Blanc massif has made the town one of the world's leading centres for mineralogy. Even today, many crystal hunters still try their luck for the big prize. Discover the history of this extraordinary profession and how it has evolved over time. You'll be amazed!
The history of crystal craftsmanship in Chamonix
The profession of crystal maker or crystal hunter has been known in the Alps for a very long time. The profession is mentioned in Theophrastus' Peri lithon, which dates back to antiquity.
In the 17th century, crystals were sought after to be sold to cutters in major cities (Paris, Geneva, Milan...) or resold to English tourists. The Mont-Blanc massifs provided many crystals, including quartz and anatase, a very rare mineral used in the Middle Ages.
Then, at the end of the 18th century, the first rich collectors bought the most beautiful stones. Working as a crystal cutter in Chamonix is no easy task. It's a dangerous business, requiring excellent physical skills. You also need to know the mountain and its dangers. It was these skills that Chamonix crystal-maker Jacques Balmat used to successfullyclimb Mont-Blanc on August 8, 1786. It's usually mountain guides who come across an oven one day. This term refers to the cracks in the granite that house the crystals.
Then, in the 19th century, competition became fierce. Crystal makers in the Alps lost the market for cut crystal. The use of explosives to open crystal furnaces became widespread.
Finally, the practice resumed in 1960 under the impetus of several mountain guides, including Roger Fournier. A skilled mountaineer, he made remarkable discoveries in kilns previously considered inaccessible. His son, Eric Fournier, also a crystal-maker, is today mayor of Chamonix.
Regulations governing the crystal-cutting trade in Chamonix
The crystal-cutting trade in Chamonix is an activity that falls within the scope of the law. The French Civil Code stipulates that the subsoil and everything it contains, up to a certain depth, belongs to the owner of the land. So the town of Chamonix has taken a tougher stance. Since August 2008, anyone wishing to hunt for crystals must make a prior declaration to the town hall. This must be renewed every year, and involves signing and respecting the charter. This approach is in line with the need to preserve the mineralogical heritage of the Mont-Blanc massif.
Firstly, the town council will only tolerate the traditional search for small crystals. The use of explosives for extraction is forbidden, as is the use of a vehicle for transport. Nothing must detract from the condition or appearance of the listed site. Furthermore, in the event of sale, the crystal-maker must present any pieces of scientific interest to the Chamonix Crystal Museum Steering Committee. This will enable the museum to acquire one or more pieces in the interest of safeguarding the local heritage.
Searching for crystals in Chamonix: the gold rush
In 2020, some sixty candidates ran for mayor of Chamonix. Without actually embracing the crystal craft, many are hoping for a gold rush. The hunters are inspired by the great discovery made by ethnologist Christophe Peray in 2006. In the green needle of the Mont-Blanc massif, he found a 5.1 kg red fluorite. Classified as a cultural asset of major heritage interest, it was purchased for 250,000 euros by the French Ministry of Culture. Today, it can be admired at the Museum of Natural History.
Many people practice this age-old craft to unearth the rare pearl: epidote, brookite, azurite, quartz... And they do so despite the dangers. The job of a crystal cutter in Chamonix is not without its risks. In general, crystals are found in fissured areas of the high mountains. The mountains are disintegrating as global warming accentuates rock falls. Indeed, the thawing of the permafrost makes the rock even more fragile.
The job of a crystal maker in Chamonix: what does it really involve?
Working as a crystal setter in Chamonix can be risky business. And yet, it's a delicate activity. The profession has nothing to do with slave labor. Here's how it works:
- First, the crystal hunter observes the faces through binoculars. He spots the quartz that contrasts with the granite.
- Once the furnace has been located, the crystal-maker thaws the entrance to the cavity. To do this, he uses small soldering lamps, radiators or salt.
- And to avoid damaging the pieces, he uses delicate tools such as plastic children's rakes or knitting needles. With these, he scrapes the earth.
- Finally, once all the pieces have been removed from the kiln, the crystal maker wraps them in bubble wrap or newspaper for the journey downstairs.
