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 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, 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 64 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, 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 at home or 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.You are bidding on one exquisite specimen of the lab-grown quartz crystal plate shown on the pictures. This beautiful crystal was grown on the seed plate about 2 mm thick. It was cut from large quartz crystal parallel to the optical axis "c" and perpendicular to the piezoelectrical axis "a" marked in red. The seed was planted into an autoclave vertically with metal clips visible now on both ends of a crystal. The position of seed inside the crystal is marked by black continues lines on outside edges, and black dash-lines for inside the crystal. Seed can be easy observable with bright lite through the oily surfaces.The crystal formed with two pinacoidal faces {0001}, six prismatic faces "m", ten rhombohedral faces, and two trapezoid faces "x" marked in red. It is right-handed crystal. The growth rate in to "+a" direction is about two times larger than in opposite "-a" direction. Some rare small twin-buttons can be observed on "-a" shiny surfaces.The main faces on the crystal are positive trigonal prism "+a" and negative trigonal prism "-a" with different surface textures. This crystal was grown over three months in hydrothermal conditions. Main crystal's surfaces are look slightly frosted, but material inside is water-clear and can be used for stone cutting, doublets and optical parts fabrication (such as waveplates etc.). Some chipped edges might be available.An average specimen measures are about 22.0 cm (L) x 12.5 cm (W) x 1.5 cm (Th), weighs about from 900 to 1,050 grams (2 to 2.3 pounds) depends of the seed shape and dimensions. 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 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 VIA eBay.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. 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 Your favorite sellers.
Price: 51 USD
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
End Time: 2024-09-23T16:58:14.000Z
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
