Quartz Freeform with Kaolin, Iron, and Rainbows
Measures Approximately: 4 1/4" x 3" x 1 3/4"
Weighs Approximately: 1 lb 3.1 oz
This is one of the most interesting freeforms that I have seen in awhile. I'm used to kaolin being on the outside of some natural quartz points, which has been one of my favorite outside inclusions because it makes the crystals look like they are otherworldly. In this instance, the kaolin is sheeted on the inside of the quartz and it creates a beautiful interior mountain landscape effect.
Quartz is the most common of the silica minerals. The group is all composed of silicon dioxide but have different crystal structures. The others form under specific conditions like very high temperatures. The name quartz comes from the German quarz, without a “t”. It may be derived from the Polish kwardy (“hard”). Pure quartz is colorless but trace metal inclusions can color it purple (amethyst), yellow (citrine), and brown (smoky quartz). It also forms in fibrous varieties without visible crystals like chalcedony.
Kaolin is a type of white clay that can be an inclusion in quartz, which gives it a ghostly, powdery coating or creates a beautiful interior film that highlights the internal structure of the quartz. It's often used in the beauty industry as a cosmetic or detoxifying agent.
Iron (Fe) included in quartz is ferruginous, colored red, yellow, or brownish orange by iron oxides like hematite and limonite. It may be natural or heated to enhance the color by reducing its water content like carnelian. The name is derived from the Greek haimatoeides (“resembling blood”).