#rock crystal

[dozydawn]

[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.

[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

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Rock Crystal Flask from Ancient Rome, c.25 BCE: this stunning little flask measures just 5.7cm (2.25 in) tall, and it was carved from a solid piece of rock crystal more than 2,000 years ago

Known as an amphoriskos, this miniature vessel was likely used as a vial for perfumed oils.

Vessels made of rock crystal were rare and highly treasured throughout the Roman world, as the Getty Museum explains:

Due to the limited sources of the material and the labor-intensive process of making the vessels, rock crystal vessels were rare and expensive luxury items in the Roman world. A small amphoriskos such as this one probably contained expensive perfumed oils. This form of flask, with angular handles and a bottom knob, was also popular in ceramic vessels of the late first century B.C.

Rock crystal was also prized for its natural beauty, resilience, and mystical significance:

Like the Greeks before them, the Romans believed that rock crystal was ice that had been hardened through intense freezing. Fittingly, such a miraculous stone was believed to have the powers of an amulet and was highly valued.

The stone's hardness made it difficult to work but also highly desirable because the finished piece possessed a glossy finish and was resistant to scratches. To hollow out the vessel, an artisan used ground emery as an abrasive. Small vessels like this multi-faceted amphoriskos took advantage of the natural elongated, hexagonal structure of the quartz mineral.

Sources & More Info:

Getty Museum: Roman Amphoriskos (Flask)

Seeking Transparency: Rock Crystal and the Nature of Artifice in Ancient Rome

Travel to Eat: Roman Perfume Bottles

[toyastales]

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

[boylerpf]

Art Deco Platinum Filigree Diamond Rock Crystal Bracelet

Source - Boylerpf.com

[allaboutrings]

Vintage 14k Gold Rock Crystal Cat Ring with Diamond Eyes

[allura-raine]

[dozydawn]

[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.

[gemville]

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

Source: Luxury Porcelain @ Facebook

[sylverra]

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[blondebrainpowered]

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

Material: gold, lapis lazuli, rock crystal and glass