[Rockhounds] Chinese Crystals on E-Bay

[Lawrence Rush]

If the crystal looks absolutely clear, with no imperfections, and is 
perfectly terminated, it may be one of the "manufactured" ones. Some are 
colored red, and are very even in color appearance. Some are perfectly 
doubly terminated. I have heard that they are made by melting and casting 
silica, but I have no first-hand experience. Unfortunately, these days, much 
from China must be viewed with skepticism.

Also, watch out for "Zircon" from China in large, well formed transparent 
crystals. These are also reputed to be manufactured. Rock Currier may have 
more first-hand experience than do I (?).

Larry Rush



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charles Baran" <kcbaran at arczip.com>
To: "Rockhounds at drizzle.com: A mailing list for rock and gem collectors" 
<rockhounds at lists.drizzle.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 3:38 PM
Subject: [Rockhounds] Chinese Crystals on E-Bay


> Friends:  If you get on E-bay,  input  quartz crystals  in the search 
> feature you will come up with a whole BUNCH of hits.  Many of them are 
> big, very nice and very cheap. You can tell the Chinese crystals because 
> most are being held in a person's hand with an outdoors background.   Has 
> anyone ever bought these or have any ideas or feed back as far as quality, 
> buying safety, etc? Thanks?
> Chuck Baran
> -- 
> _______________________________________________
> Rockhounds at drizzle Mailing List
> Subscription Services:
> http://lists.drizzle.com/mailman/listinfo/rockhounds
> List Home Page, with a link to the List Usage Policy:
> http://www.eclecticlapidary.com/Rockhounds/index.html