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The
transparent, colourless variety of quartz is still
known as rock crystal. Long ago, people believed
that rock crystal was a compact form of ice: in
fact 'crystallos' means 'ice'. The best rock
crystal has the clarity and shimmer of water.
Although colourless quartz is relatively common,
large flawless specimens are not, which is why
crystal balls these days are made of glass, not
quartz. Rock crystal has often been used in
jewellery, particularly carved pieces. Many
stunning art deco jewellery designs featured the
black and white quartz combination of rock crystal
and onyx. Colourless quartz crystals have also
become popular in jewellery due to the popularity
of legends about their powers. Many people believe
that wearing quartz crystals benefits their health
and spiritual well-being. |
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