Description: Quartz crystal growth is one of a few intriguing natural processes that has been copied from Mother Nature and implemented in the laboratory. Industrial growth of commercial quartz crystals for their unique piezoelectric and optical properties has produced the necessary components for electronic and optical devices for about 70 years. XSTALSHOP (division of R&D XTALS, Inc) has recently adapted this hydrothermal growth process with the aim of creating natural-looking crystal specimens for mineral collectors, museums, educators, as well as objets d'art for other buyers. The term "hydrothermal" is used to describe a crystallization method utilizing superheated (about 660 F (350 C)), mainly alkaline aqueous solutions at very high pressure, EXCEEDING 10,000 psi (>70 MPa). The crystals are grown in an airtight, thick-walled, steel vessel called an autoclave. We called that autoclave as "high pressure cooker". Pressure in the autoclave is built up solely by electrical heating of water solution. Crystals begin forming on "seeds", which are broken natural quartz clusters, and/or slices and pieces of natural or grown quartz crystals. Crushed pieces of naturally abundant milky quartz are the raw material for growth. This process is complex, energy intensive, requires specific controls, and can be dangerous. It cannot and should not be done at home. Researchers from R&D XTALS have nearly 64 years of combined experience with hydrothermal growth techniques for quartz and several other crystals, and have the requisite educational background in geology, mineralogy, and crystallography. They also have the necessary patience to constantly monitor the batches of growing crystals over a long time from a few months to a few years. However, this is just a blink of an eye compared to the eons-long time scale required for some natural crystal growth. The shiny and mat faces on each crystal are built up, molecular layer by molecular layer, undisturbed, and in full darkness. They have not been cut, polished, or touched in any way to enhance their beauty after growth. Close inspection may reveal faint traces of the seed inside individual crystals, but all of the external faces are natural shapes with natural luster. Some crystals or its pieces are hydrothermally etched after growth to reveal structural peculiarities and defects, which are important for scientific, educational, and commercial purposes. Quartz is a hard mineral and does not scratch easily, but it is brittle. Many our specimens are placed in a clear plastic display cases to prevent dust accumulation and protect against chipping and breaking. The crystals can be cleaned with an air duster indefinitely, and they are insoluble in practically all chemicals. Just avoid touching the very sharp edges and points. These quartz crystals will last for a long time to educate you and decorate your mineral display or cocktail table at home. Some sensitive people perceive positive energy coming from quartz crystals and use them for healing themselves and others; but everyone can find enjoyment and improved mood just by looking at these sparkling crystals and moving them in the light.You are bidding on one exquisite specimen of the lab-grown quartz crystal V-TWIN cluster shown on the pictures and video. This beautiful twin is setting on the matrix comprised of one large crystal and small, water clear quartz crystals. Large hexagonal shape crystal was grown on the square c-cut plate seed and capture the twin inside with powerful strains and cracks in large crystal, but not in twin. This specimen is placed into clear acrylic unscrewed display case on foam substrate with hot glue. It prevents dust accumulation, protects against chipping and breaking, for safe shipping and handling. Similar quartz cluster assemblies are successfully tested for one month vibration test in my car's trunk and survived. Specimen measures are about 4.7 (W) x 3.9 (D) x 3.3 (H) cm. Acrylic case dimensions are about 9.3 cm OD by 8.3 cm high. Assembly weighs about 148 grams / 5.2 ounces. Growth time for this specimen was about nine months.The crystal grower's initials can be scribed by him on one crystal face with diamond scriber, if buyer wish it, just contact the seller after payment.You can find an additional information about quartz crystals and their growth on the Wikipedia website with key words: quartz, crystal, single crystal, piezoelectricity, crystallization, hydrothermal synthesis, seed crystal, crystal growth, etc.Thank you for buying our specimens. Positive feedback will be very appreciated.All photographs and video copyright of R&D XTALS, Inc.© 2005-2024, R&D XTALS, Inc. All rights reserved. The information in this material is educational and promotional in nature. PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED: PAYPAL AND OTHER FORMS OF PAYMENT.WE SHIP DOMESTIC PACKAGES USING USPS, FedEx, UPS. WE WILL COMBINE SHIPPING. "CONTACT SELLER" TO TELL US YOU ARE BIDDING ON MORE THEN ONE ITEM. WE WILL BE HAPPY TO COMBINE ALL PAYD ITEMS. WE PROFESSIONALLY PACKAGE YOUR ITEMS USING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS FOR SAFE DELIVERY.WE MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO SHIP YOUR ITEMS WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PAYMENT, USUALLY SOONER. WE SHIP MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY EVERY WEEK. WE ACCEPT NO RETURNS. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. OUR BEST METHOD OF CONTACT IS VIA EMAIL. WE RESPOND PROMPTLY. BID WITH CONFIDENCE. Add XTALSHOP to My favorite sellers.
Price: 45 USD
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
End Time: 2024-11-01T15:54:25.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Modified Item: No
Grown by hydrothermal process employed: from Mother Nature
