#rock crystal

[holycosmolo9y]

An Egyptian rock crystal of a chonky hinpopotamus amulet

(Middle Kingdom, ca. 2050-1650 BCE)

Amulets were worn by ancient Egyptians for their protective and regenative properties. Used in both in daily life and during funerary rites, amulets represented animals, deities, symbols or objects thought to possess the magical powers of warding off evil spirits.

As animals were popular representations, the hippopotamus was known for its apotropaic (e.g. ability to avert bad luck) qualities and was associated with rebirth.

[dozydawn]

[artschoolglasses]

Pendant with the Coronation of the Virgin, elephant ivory behind rock crystal, North French or Netherlandish, early 15th Century

From the Met Museum

[gemville]

Carnelian, Rock Crystal and Diamond Koi Brooch/Pendant by Palmiero Jewellery Design

Source: twentyonejewels @ Instagram

[mirellabruno]

Rock Crystal Necklace c. 800 B.C. Chavín Chavín de Huantar, north coast, Peru Art Institute of Chicago

[toyastales]

Hellenic bracelet with rock crystal hoop and gold rams' heads (330-300 ВС).

[allaboutrings]

Vintage 14k Gold Rock Crystal Cat Ring with Diamond Eyes

[allura-raine]

[thatshowthingstarted]

Bronze & Crystal Sword,

Warring States Period and Wudi Period of Han Dynasty (c. 4th-2nd century BC),

Chinese bronze sword with turquoise studded, gold inlaid rock crystal hilt.

Length 22.83 in / Width 3.15 in /

Collection & Credit: Cardale Auctioneers

[recherchestetique]

An Art Deco Diamond and Rock Crystal Bracelet by Mauboussin Paris 1935.

Of geometric design, composed of openwork panels set with kite-shaped, round and baguette diamonds, bordered by rock crystal batons, further highlighted by round diamonds, mounted in platinum.

[blondebrainpowered]

"Beauty-Spot Box" Imperial Russia, mid-18th century.

Material: gold, lapis lazuli, rock crystal and glass

[dozydawn]

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Bronze Age Libation Vessel from Crete, c. 1600-1450 BCE: the body of this 3,600-year-old vessel was carved from a single block of rock crystal

The collar of this libation vessel is decorated with discs of gilded ivory, while the handle is formed by a length of bronze wire and fourteen beads made of rock crystal. The vessel itself is about 16.5cm tall (roughly 6.5 inches) when measured from the base up to the rim.

Libation vessels such as this were widely used to pour ritual offerings, such as wine (or other alcoholic substances), water, honey, olive oil, milk, or grain, usually in honor of a deity or in remembrance of the dead. These ritual vessels are also known as rhyta (or the singular rhyton). They were especially common among ancient cultures, but have also been used by many other peoples throughout history, and similar libation vessels are still used within certain religious/cultural traditions today.

This particular vessel was crafted and used by the Minoans -- a Bronze Age civilization that once flourished on the island of Crete. It was unearthed from the ruins of the Central Palace of Zakros.

According to The Heraklion Archaeological Museum:

This small libation vessel, a true masterpiece of Minoan art, is one of the most valuable ritual vessels of the Central Sanctuary of Zakros. The body and neck are made separately. The body of the rhyton is carved from a particularly large block of rock crystal. The vase was found shattered into hundreds of tiny pieces, which were restored with marvellous skill by the conservators of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The collar around the join between neck and body is decorated with gilded ivory discs. The tall, curved handle is formed of fourteen crystal beads threaded on bronze wire and was found almost intact during the excavation, with the beads still in place.

The skill of the Minoan craftsman is evident not only from the decorative details of the rhyton but also from the fact that he was able to create such a fine-walled vessel without cracking the particularly hard raw material. The aesthetic perfection of the rhyton is as impressive as the technical skill required to produce it. Its symbolic value as a ritual vessel is heightened by the precious ivory and the metals, all of which were imported to Crete from distant parts of the East Mediterranean.

Sources & More Info:

Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Rock Crystal Libation Vessel/Rhyton

World History Encyclopedia: Minoan Rock-Crystal Vase

Minoan Crete: Zakros

[gemville]

Mughal Gem-Set Rock Crystal Cup, India, Circa 18th Century

Source: Luxury Porcelain @ Facebook

[rosypotions]

Bought my very first crystals today with my new friend! 😭✨️

[allaboutrings]

Francesca Villa Make a Wish Ring