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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 already. 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, researchers, educators, as well as objects 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. 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 vein quartz are the raw material for growth.

This process is complex, very 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 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 industrial purposes.

Quartz is a hard mineral and cannot be scratched easily, but it is brittle. Many our specimens are placed in a plastic display case to prevent dust accumulation and protect against chipping and breaking. The crystals can be cleaned with warm soapy water and 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 be used for electronic and optical devices. Some sensitive people perceive positive energy coming from our quartz crystals (observed at many mineral shows). They 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 lab-grown crystal quartz shown on the pictures and video, as an example of Nature’s beauty. Such quartz crystals will last for a long time to educate you and decorate your mineral display 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.

Crystal measures are about from 7 x 2.5 x 1.8 to 8.4 x 2.6 x 2 cm. No damages. Weight is from about 55 to 83 grams. Growth time for this crystal is about nine months.

Remains of the wire seed's hanger can be observed inside and outside of the crystal. Original seed bar, on which this crystal was grown can be observed inside this crystal too. Seed bar was cut parallel to the Minor Rhombohedron face and solution traps were created on it to form thin flat enhydros.

The crystals formed with two main Minor Rhombohedron "r" faces {01-11} , "R" {10-11} faces, six prismatic "m" faces, and Trapezoid faces "x". It is right-handed quartz crystals.

These crystals were grown about nine months in hydrothermal conditions. Main crystal's surfaces are slightly frosted but other faces are shiny. Material inside is water-clear. It is the very exceptional specimen for crystallography, and crystal morphology studies.

You can find an additional information about quartz crystals and growth process 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.

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WE SHIP WORLDWIDE. WE SHIP DOMESTIC PACKAGES USING USPS, FedEx, UPS. WE WILL BE HAPPY TO COMBINE ALL ITEMS WON WITHIN A 7-DAY PERIOD AND WILL CHARGE ONLY ACTUAL COMBINED POSTAGE COSTS. WE PROFESSIONALLY PACKAGE YOUR ITEMS USING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS FOR SAFE DELIVERY. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE NOTE: Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please inquire at your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up. Do not be confused by them for additional shipping charges.

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