Rock Crystal
The name crystal is derived from the
Greek word "KRYSTALLOS" meaning ice or frozen water. Ancient
belief, from the works of Pliny, is that rock crystal is formed by the
action of extreme cold upon water over long periods of time in mountain
caverns. The ladies in Rome carried rock crystal spheres in their hands
to cool themselves in summer.
To the Japanese people, rock crystal symbolized purity and the infinite
patience. To them it was the perfect jewel. To the Western Church, crystal
represented the desire to keep oneself free from stain and to have a pure
faith.
Rock crystal (quartz) is silicon dioxide (SiO2) grown into a single crystal.
The atoms of the crystal are arranged in a helical pattern along with
a vertical crystal axis. This helical pattern may be right-handed or left-handed.
The right-handed crystal shows a pyramidal face on the top right hand
corner of the prism face below the rhombohedral terminations. The left-handed
crystal shows this face on the top left corner. The hardness of this material
on a Moh's scale of 1 to 10 is 7. Specific gravity is 2.651 and the refractive
index is 1.544 to 1.553. Crystals are found in nature as hexagonal prisms
having rhombohedral terminations. Crystal is a trigonal quartz system,
developing an electric current when heated. Quartz is also piezo electric,
meaning it will generate an electric current when subjected to mechanical
pressure. This property is used in pressure gauges, cigarette lighters
and gas lighters found in many homes. When electric current is passed
across a quartz crystal, it becomes strained or deformed. This property
is used in the movement of quartz clocks and watches.
The fire used in Eleusian Mysteries was produced by laying rock crystal
on wood chips so that the sun would shine through the crystal. The wood
would first smoke and then burst into flame. This, claimed the Keepers
of the Temple, was the best type of fire and most appreciated by the Gods.
The Cherokee considered rock crystal to be a most powerful talisman that
insured a successful hunt. Small crystal stones are utilized by the Australian
aborigines in the preparation of talismans and amulets which they feel
have the power to protect them from the demons which dwell in the bush
and from the evil eye.
Sir Walter Scott relates that the Highlanders call rock crystal the Stone
of Power.
In 1669 Nicolaus Steno, a Dane, wrote
De Solido Intra Solidum Naturaliter. He rejected the rock crystal ice
theory. He realized that crystals grew by the addition of new layers,
the particles of which came out of a solution.
The largest recorded single crystal is about 20 feet long, several feet
thick and weighing about 40 tons. (Ed. note: as of 1985).
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