Description & Provenance

Quartz, in its abundance and popularity, is most often imagined as a single, elongated, prismatic crystal. However, it can occasionally form in twinned crystals that transform the crystal’s shape. Scholars of minerals have discovered that crystals that form in these rare, twinned habits often follow “rules” or “laws” that allow different types of twinning to be discerned against each other. Arguably the most distinctive among them is the Japan Law Twin, which is the only form of twinning in quartz in which the two crystals have formed together but can still be seen as individuals. Crystals are not considered Japan Law Twins unless their c-axes intersect at the very specific angle of 84°33′, with two of the m-prism faces of both crystals parallel to each other. This means that only a small fraction of quartz crystals qualifies as a Japan Law Twin. Further distinguishing them is the tendency to create platy crystals that are relatively thin in profile. This specimen is an excellent example of a Japan Law Twin from Brazil. Its extraordinary size and unmistakable twinned habit are phenomenal. The crystal has a window-like aesthetic and translucency that invites the viewer’s gaze. Its 360° viewing capability makes it an extremely versatile display piece. Its size, beauty, and rarity make this a unique conversation starter in any space for experienced collectors and novices alike.

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