eBay

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, educators, lapidary guys 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 quartz are the raw vein 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 65 years of combined experience with hydrothermal growth techniques for quartz and several other crystals, and have the requisite educational background in geology and mineralogy. 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 by molecular layers, 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 including natural ones are hydrothermally etched after growth to reveal structural peculiarities and defects, such the twins, which are important for scientific, educational, and industrial purposes. Etching create some sharp edges on specimens, please handle such crystals with care.

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 at home or at mineral show. 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.

For sale are eleven (11) exquisite specimen of the natural quartz crystal cutoffs and slabs, hydrothermally etched and shown on the pictures. Each specimen has three labels attached to one surface: there are weight in grams, thickness in inch, and price in USD.

These beautiful crystal slabs were cut from the large natural crystals either perpendicular to the optical axis "c" and/or electrical axis "a". Both sides of each slab is X-ray oriented flat cut surface.

The pictures of crystals are taken on white background in day light in shadow and in low sun light.

The slabs had been etched in hydrothermal conditions to reveal the twin boundaries, dislocation exits via etch pits and etch channels on the faces and surfaces. The shape of etch pits and etch channels are varies depending on crystal surface orientation. Main pinacoidal surfaces "-c" have triangle etch pits, positive trigonal prism "+a" have spindle shape etch pits, and negative trigonal prisms "-a" have double terminated negative natural quartz crystal shape imprints like.

Study of etch pits shapes and its distribution on faces with magnifying glass or under microscope can bring you a magic story. Etching create some sharp edges on specimens, please handle crystals with care.

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 are copyright of R&D XTALS, Inc.

PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED: PAYPAL AND OTHER FORMS OF PAYMENT VIA eBay.

WE SHIP WORLDWIDE. WE SHIP DOMESTIC PACKAGES USING USPS, FedEx, UPS SERVICES. WE WILL BE HAPPY TO COMBINE ALL ITEMS WON WITHIN A 3-DAY PERIOD. WE PROFESSIONALLY PACKAGE YOUR ITEMS USING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS FOR SAFE DELIVERY.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE NOTE: Import duties, taxes, tariffs, 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.

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 eBay EMAIL. WE RESPOND PROMPTLY.

BID WITH CONFIDENCE. Add XTALSHOP to Your favorite sellers.