Cairngorm Quartz brooch, with a plain golden setting

While living in Dumfries in the latter part of his short life Burns became a member of the local army unit the 'Dumfries Volunteers' and was an active participant at its meetings. This Cairngorm brooch was given to the poet for his services.

Cairngorm quartz is particular type of smoky quartz found exclusively in the Cairngorm mountain range, it is alternatively known as 'Cairngorm stone' or simply 'Cairngorm'. Cairngorm is typically of a very dark colour and rarely found, thus more desirable and expensive. It was particularly popular during the Victorian age.