Rock crystal is the colorless and most common variety of the mineral quartz, or Silica SiO2. The majority of quartz crystallizes from a molten magma. But it can also be dissolved in hot subterranean water. When that hot water flows up through cracks in the earth’s crust it cools. As it cools, the quartz atoms “freeze” into a continuous framework of SiO4 tetrahedres and a small, in the case of quartz, hexagonal crystal may form. As more material is supplied, the crystal can then continue to grow.
The Greek word κρύσταλλος is derived from κρύος meaning “icy cold.” In ancient times, rock crystal was thought to be petrified ice. Partly due to the writings of Pliny the Elder, a famous Roman naturalist, that belief persisted into the 17th century. As evidence for his theory, Pliny argued that rock crystal was found near the glaciers in the Alps but not in volcanic rock. In addition, spheres made of rock crystal always felt cold.
Rock crystal used to be used to make works of art, such as spheres and amulets or jugs and glasses with cut decoration, but when the electronic industry emerged in the 1930s this changed. Rock crystal is piezoelectric, when pressed it creates an electric potential. This makes it ideal for very accurate oscillators, such as a quartz clock or a microbalance.
Rock crystal is also believed to have the ability to amplify energy and is used in crystal healing practices. Some people think that it is able to enhance the mind and spirit and therefore it is often used to improve menta clarity and focus.
Although rock crystal is common – almost three-quarters of the earth’s crust is composed of silicon and oxygen – clear rock crystal of gem quality is still not too common.
The Greek word κρύσταλλος is derived from κρύος meaning “icy cold.” In ancient times, rock crystal was thought to be petrified ice. Partly due to the writings of Pliny the Elder, a famous Roman naturalist, that belief persisted into the 17th century. As evidence for his theory, Pliny argued that rock crystal was found near the glaciers in the Alps but not in volcanic rock. In addition, spheres made of rock crystal always felt cold.
Rock crystal used to be used to make works of art, such as spheres and amulets or jugs and glasses with cut decoration, but when the electronic industry emerged in the 1930s this changed. Rock crystal is piezoelectric, when pressed it creates an electric potential. This makes it ideal for very accurate oscillators, such as a quartz clock or a microbalance.
Rock crystal is also believed to have the ability to amplify energy and is used in crystal healing practices. Some people think that it is able to enhance the mind and spirit and therefore it is often used to improve menta clarity and focus.
Although rock crystal is common – almost three-quarters of the earth’s crust is composed of silicon and oxygen – clear rock crystal of gem quality is still not too common.
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Dimensions:Height: 5.52 in (14 cm)Width: 6.7 in (17 cm)Depth: 5.12 in (13 cm)
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Materials and Techniques:Amethyst
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Place of Origin:Brazil
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Period:15th Century and Earlier
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Date of Manufacture:Unknown
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Condition:Excellent
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Seller Location:BAARN, NL
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Reference Number:Seller: C0112Seller: LU6901240667702
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