Quartz - Natural Rock Crystal, polished and carved

Quartz is a mineral that often crystallizes into well formed prisms, and can be cut and carved into beautiful beads and objects. It occurs in many colors: clear rock crystal, purple amethyst, yellow citrine, and a smoky variety, referred smoky quartz. The colorless, transparent crystals are frequently imitated with glass. Crystal balls with a truly mystic significance are always made from quartz. Quartz crystals are among the earliest talismans and jewelry materials. Examples of rock crystal objects date back to 75,000BC. Natural rock crystal can usually be distinguished from glass by its internal inclusions and flaws.