Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
It is entirely possible that the seller does not know that these specimens have been treated. He is just repeating the information he was given. I suspect that these samples (which are very beautiful by the way) were treated in vacuum chambers by subjecting them to micro particles of metals which bond to the quartz imparting a saturated color and often an iridescent shimmer. Your examples do not appear to be iridescent.
These specimens are usually offered by crystal mystic sellers as aura quartz and attributed with metaphysical properties. (Like: They shine positive cosmic light on your chakras)
The coatings are quite superficial. If they were mine, I'd sacrifice one to see if I could remove any of the purple coating. This is definitely not something a gemologist is supposed to do. A gemologist should never destroy something in order to study it. But as a geologist, I'd wack off a piece, see what is inside, soak it in various caustic solvents, scrub it, scratch it and come to a conclusion.
I appreciate the information and I'm sorry if the lack of clarity of my words have caused any offense. This isn't about my personal need for credentials but that this guy is refuting this is an artificially-created specimen. He said he's going to get a second opinion from a certified gemologist. And my being able to say, "hey, this is the opinion of some geologists," will give my position more weight than "some people I don't know online". That's all.
No offense, I just wanted to point out the capabilities, and credentials available to you here.
The use of the term "Certified Gemologist" by your vendor also indicates a lack of understanding of credentialing in this industry. That is not a term used by credentialed people, but often used by sales people. Just like "Certified Stone" should raise alarms. Respected labs make a point of telling people they don't issue certifications, only Lab Reports.
A gemologist should never destroy something in order to study it. But as a geologist, I'd wack off a piece, see what is inside, soak it, scrub it, scratch it and come to a conclusion.
It is entirely possible that the seller does not know that these specimens have been treated. He is just repeating the information he was given.
Yes, and I said this to this guy, so he didn't think I was assuming he was a scammer. He's still being snotty about it. o_o
Quote:
I suspect that these samples (which are very beautiful by the way) were treated in vacuum chambers by subjecting them to micro particles of metals which bond to the quartz imparting a saturated color and often an iridescent shimmer. Your examples do not appear to be iridescent. ... The coatings are quite superficial. If they were mine, I'd sacrifice one to see if I could remove any of the purple coating. This is definitely not something a gemologist is supposed to do. A gemologist should never destroy something in order to study it. But as a geologist, I'd wack off a piece, see what is inside, soak it, scrub it, scratch it and come to a conclusion.
No, it doesn't appear iridescent to me either. The growth is tiny and the way such tiny surfaces reflect light it almost appears that way, but I see no change in the appearance of color as I move it.
Looking at it more closely -- which I should have done when I first saw it (didn't have my glasses) -- I think the purple could be dyed. (I'd also love to test it, but the guy agreed to give me a refund, so it's gotta go back in one piece.)
When I was doing more research, I found this:
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The site I found it on says that lab-made quartz tends to have triagonal apexes instead of the typical hexogonal -- which this cluster does for the most part.
It also says: "They use a hydrothermal process; heating a normal clear quartz w/ natural chromium inclusions (usually a lower quality milky specimen and/or a damaged clear specimen) with water & chromium under high pressure, causing the quartz to recrystallize & actually force it to form new growth that caps & covers the damaged tips. Then the chromuium disperses throughout & changes almost the entire color of the specimen to a deep forest green!" [source: https://hibiscusmooncrystalacademy.com/crystal-fakes-7/]
Maybe this is really green and was dyed purple, or some other element was used to make it purple (which is beyond my chemical knowledge).
Anyway, the whole thing seems to be engineered.
The seller did say that the two people who looked at it think it might be spirit/cactus quartz. Based on what Stephen said, and looking at photos of specimens, the growth is very different and doesn't match. So, I doesn't appear he may have the more reliable sources.
All I can say is that anyone who is buying quartz crystals because they believe that quartz has powers of healing, will end up dealing with people who are willing to sell them on that basis. These metaphysical mineral dealers have no problem propagating and profiting from misinformation.
If quartz could heal we would all be very healthy. Quartz (SiO2) is the most significant component on the surface of the Earth. We are in contact with it, breathing it, and and ingesting it all day every day.
You might as well buy the fake stuff. It will have the same efficacy. None.....
All I can say is that anyone who is buying quartz crystals because they believe that quartz has powers of healing, will end up dealing with people who are willing to sell them on that basis. These metaphysical mineral dealers have no problem propagating and profiting from misinformation.
If quartz could heal we would all be very healthy. Quartz (SiO2) is the most significant component on the surface of the Earth. We are in contact with it, breathing it, and and ingesting it all day every day.
You might as well buy the fake stuff. It will have the same efficacy. None.....
What can I say, it is a gift.
I'm not sure why you're bringing up metaphysics. I'm not here to get into a discussion about my beliefs -- especially because people are often very quick to judge others (for beliefs of any variety).
I bought this because I thought it was beautiful. But I really only want earth-made stuff, not specimens created in a lab with the intent to deceive and defraud. I could say something about that from a metaphysical perspective, but instead I'll just say that I don't like giving my money to these kind of people. It only encourages them.
In the process of my rock collecting, I love to learn. Which is one reason why I'm here. I appreciate all the helpful info I have been given.
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