Natural ~46 mm clear quartz point with geometric etchings on the hexagonal faces. Unique piece from Brazil: high internal clarity and a well-defined single termination, suitable for large format artisan jewelry and 925 silver wire wrap.
Piece Information
| Mineral |
Clear quartz (rock crystal, SiO₂) |
| Dimensions |
~46 mm in length (±2 mm due to being a natural rough piece) |
| Shape |
Natural hexagonal point with single termination |
| Finish |
Rough, unpolished |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs — wear-resistant; for wire wrap, protect edges with tight wire coils |
| Origin |
Brazil |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Type of piece |
Unique piece |
This specific piece
This point features natural etchings on its rhombohedral faces: geometric grooves formed during alternating cycles of crystal growth and partial dissolution underground. Internal clarity is high; the interior appears without significant turbidity. It has a small chip on one side, visible but not compromising the structure or its use in large format statement jewelry.
Its robust profile and 46 mm length make it especially suitable for oversized pendants or as a visual anchor in crystal grids.
How etchings form in quartz
The etchings that appear on quartz faces are the result of selective chemical dissolution: when slightly acidic hydrothermal fluids circulate through the cavity where the crystal grew, they preferentially dissolve the planes with higher surface energy, tracing steps, channels, and figures that follow the trigonal symmetry of quartz. The process can occur in several stages during the crystal's geological history.
Suitable for which mounting
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Wire wrap in 925 silver or other precious metals — the natural hexagonal profile fits well with figure-eight or basket wrapping techniques; the etchings on the faces offer additional grip without adhesive.
-
Pendants with open bezel settings in laminated silver — an open edge setting highlights the point shape and leaves the etched faces visible without concealing them.
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Collection pieces and crystal grids — the clarity and etchings make it a visually interesting specimen for display cases and centerpieces.
Quartz in lapidary tradition
Clear quartz is the benchmark mineral in the history of Western gemology. Aristotle coined the term kristallos —petrified ice, in Greek— believing that transparent points were water frozen by the extreme cold of the mountains. In the European Renaissance, quartz balls and points were the most used optical instruments before the widespread use of molten glass, and they appear in inventories of alchemists, apothecaries, and goldsmiths since the 15th century.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to recognize genuine clear quartz
Natural quartz shows internal variations: fluid inclusions (gas or liquid bubbles), veils of colloidal silica, and growth striations on the faces. Molten glass is perfectly homogeneous and heavier (density ~2.5 g/cm³ compared to 2.65 g/cm³ for quartz). Genuine quartz cannot be scratched by a steel blade (steel ~6.5 Mohs; quartz 7 Mohs).
Frequently asked questions
Is it natural quartz or could it be glass?
It is natural quartz of mineral origin. The geometric etchings on the hexagonal faces and the natural termination of the apex are characteristics of real crystal growth that are not reproduced in molten glass. It does not include formal gemological certification.
What type of jewelry is this point suitable for?
Due to its size (~46 mm) and hexagonal profile, it is ideal for large format pendants in wire wrap or open bezels in 925 silver. It can also be incorporated into macramé pieces with a prominent mineral body.
Does it have any treatment?
No detectable treatment. Statement based on direct observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
More rough minerals for artisan jewelry in our rough minerals collection. If you are looking for worked quartz, explore our cabochons.
