Crystals

Crystals have captivated human culture for centuries with both their beauty and suggested symbolism. From a talismanic charm to a celebration of nature's remarkable wonder, crystals are a coveted collector's item for the geology enthusiast.

The study and collection of stone specimens began in the days of ancient Babylon, when early natural historians first noted the difference in mineral properties. This examination, in many cases coinciding with a large collection of mineral specimens, developed into the field of mineralogy by the 1500s with the work of Georgius Agricola. Agricola's contributions paved the way for a scientific understanding of crystal structure, which arrived in the early 19th century.

Alongside greater scientific understanding of crystals and their structure, enthusiasts and amateur mineralogists began seeking out superior specimens to add to their own collections. Commemorating the beauty of crystalline structure in its organic form, antique and vintage crystals capture an ideal blend of history, science, and splendor.

Quick Facts

• Some of the world's largest crystals have been discovered in the Cave of Crystals in Mexico. Measuring more than 30 feet in length, the crystals are made of the soft mineral gypsum and began forming more than 500,000 years ago
• The name geode comes from the Greek word for earthlike
• One of the most unusual crystal creations is the British Museum skull, most likely dating to the pre-Columbian era. The piece was created with a substantial chunk of quartz crystal