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Rock
crystal
Rock Crystal Gemstone - Riyo Gems Rock Crystal Jewelry Indian Jewellery
The transparent, colourless
variety of quartz is still known as rock crystal. Long ago, people believed that
rock crystal was a compact form of ice: in fact 'crystallos' means 'ice'. The
best rock crystal has the clarity and shimmer of water. Although colourless
quartz is relatively common, large flawless specimens are not, which is why
crystal balls these days are made of glass, not quartz. Rock crystal has often
been used in jewellery, particularly carved pieces. Many stunning art deco
jewellery designs featured the black and white quartz combination of rock
crystal and onyx. Colourless quartz crystals have also become popular in
jewellery due to the popularity of legends about their powers. Many people
believe that wearing quartz crystals benefits their health and spiritual
well-being.
Rutilated quartz and
tourmalinated quartz
While most varieties of
transparent quartz are valued most when they show no inclusions, some are valued
chiefly because of them! The most popular of these is known as rutilated quartz.
Rutilated quartz is transparent rock crystal with golden needles of rutile
arrayed in patterns inside it. Each pattern is different and some are
breathtakingly beautiful. The inclusions are sometimes called Venus hair. Less
well known is a variety called tourmalinated quartz which, instead of golden
rutile, has black or dark green tourmaline crystals.
Chalcedonies
Quartz that is formed not of
one single crystal but a number of finely grained microcrystals is known as
chalcedony. The variety of chalcedonies is even greater than that of transparent
quartz, including cryptocrystalline quartz with patterns as well as a wide range
of solid colours. Agates are banded. Bloodstone has red spots on a green
background. Moss agate has a plant-like pattern. Jasper sometimes looks like a
landscape painting. Another staple of the jewellery industry is black onyx,
chalcedony quartz which owes its even black colour to an ancient dyeing process
that is still used today. Carnelian, another chalcedony valued in the ancient
world, has a vivid brownish orange colour and clear translucency that makes it
popular for signet rings and seals. Chrysoprase, a bright, apple-green,
translucent chalcedony, is the most valued. It was a particular favourite of
Frederick The Great of Prussia. It can be seen today decorating many buildings
in beautiful Prague, including the Chapel of St Wenceslas. Today, chrysoprase is
found mostly in Australia. Unlike most other green stones, which owe their
colour to chromium or vanadium, chrysoprase derives its colour from nickel. Its
bright even colour and texture lend themselves well to beads, cabochons, and
carvings.Rock Crystal Gemstone, Rock Crystal Jewelry , Rock Indian Jewelry ,
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