7 Beautiful Crystals and Minerals that will Stand Out In Your Collection!
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Every crystal and mineral collector appreciates having a specimen that really adds a WOW factor to their display.
Here's a list of 7 crystal and mineral specimens that will truly brighten up any display, AND can be found in an affordable price range!
1. Himalayan Quartz
These quartz crystals from Pakistan and in the Nepal area are known for exceptional clarity. The water-clear quality on these are what make them truly stand out. Some are even studded with tiny bits of anatase that make them appear to glitter! Although these are often collected because of purported metaphysical uses, we believe these are lovely additions to collections purely because they are stunning examples of what a quartz crystal can be.
2. Topaz
Topaz crystals from the Shigar Valley in Pakistan are a perfect way to add something special to your mineral or crystal display. They have beautiful clarity and a soothing pale, peachy-pink hue. Although varieties in more affordable price ranges will be smaller in size, these "thumbnail" pieces are always at home in any collection.
3. Tanzanite
From Merelani Hills in Tanzania, these are highly desireable crystals among collectors. The intensely violet-blue hue is show-stopping! They are pleochroic, which means they can display several different shades of color when rotated in the light. They are often heat treated to bring out the intensity of the color. Make sure that the seller or dealer you purchase from discloses any treatment to the crystal. These crystals can increase in price very dramatically and larger or exceptionally high quality pieces are commonly priced in the 4-5 figure range. However, you can find some lovely, little thumbnail sized specimens for a reasonable price.
This formation of the mineral specimen cerussite, looks just like a snowflake. The small, inter locking points of the crystals have a puzzle-like quality. Beautiful examples come out of Iran. They are available in a range of quality and size, complication of structure...and can be found in affordable price ranges.
5. Spessartine Garnet
These are truly mesmerizing varieties of garnet. Not only do they have a rich, wine-red coloring, with deep intensity and translucency, the etched patterning on the crystal faces is fascinating. They have many stacked, geometric crystal edges, with tessellating patterns all over the crystal. There are some truly exceptional pieces out there that also come with a substantial price tag. However, if you want to elevate your mineral or crystal collection with one of these specimens, you can find some decent examples in thumbnail sized specimens that won't break the bank.
6. Apophyllite
These translucent crystals can form in a variety of colors, from clear to blue and brown. But personally, I think the green variety is fabulous! The crystals tend to come to a sharp, terminated point, with a wider middle. They are often formed in matrix with other zeolite minerals. You can get nice crystal clusters of apophyllite on matrix for very reasonable prices. Their beautiful, minty hue will brighten up any crystal or mineral display.
7. Kunzite
Kunzite is the purple-pink hued variety of spodumene. These crystals are often double terminated, translucent and pleochroic. Their coloring can range from almost clear with a tint of pale lilac, to a rich fuchsia. The larger and more richly colored crystals are defining going to demand a rich price tag. But there are many available in a range of size and quality that are very affordable. It wouldn't be a stretch of your paycheck to be able to add a very decent piece to your collection. Here's a lovely kunzite crystal available right now!