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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 65 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, researchers as well as objets d'art for other buyers.

The term "hydrothermal" is used to describe a crystallization methods 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 inside 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 main 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 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 period of time from a few months to a few years. However, this is just a blink of an eye compared to the eons year-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 industrial 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, breaking, and cuts. 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 at home or on mineral show. Some sensitive people perceive positive energy coming from our quartz crystals (observed many times on 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 is one exquisite specimen of the lab-grown quartz crystal cluster, shown on the pictures and video. This broken but healed Natural cluster is set on the matrix comprised of many small, water clear quartz crystals. Such specimens were demonstrated on Tucson, East Coast, Columbus, Cincinnati, Detroit, Denver, and other mineral shows.

This specimen is placed into clear acrylic display case on foam substrate with hot glue. It prevents dust accumulation, protects against chipping and breaking for safe handling and shipping. Similar quartz cluster assemblies are successfully tested for one month vibration test in my car's trunk and survived with no problems.

Specimen measures are about 7.6 (width) x 7.1 (depth) x 3.8 cm high. Acrylic case dimensions are about 8.5 cm OD by 8.3 cm high. Assembly weighs about 144 grams (5.1 ounces). Growth time for this specimen was about nine months. Traces of seeds can be observed inside crystals.

The crystal grower's initials can be scribed by him on one crystal face with diamond scriber, if buyer wish it, just note the seller at pay time.

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. We will very appreciate your positive feedback.

All photographs and video are 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 BOUGHT WITHIN A 3-DAY PERIOD. WE PROFESSIONALLY PACKAGE YOUR ITEMS USING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS FOR SAFE DELIVERY.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE NOTE: Import duties, tariffs, 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.

WE MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO SHIP YOUR ITEMS WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PAYMENT, USUALLY SOONER. WE SHIP MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY EVERY WEEK.

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XTALS - mean CRYSTALS.