Drusy quartz is a stone material that is relatively inexpensive and beautiful when used in jewelry. It is a popular choice because of its sparkle and color and can readily be cut into interesting and unusual shapes. Drusy gems form naturally over millions of years. They are found on host materials such as agate or other minerals and are usually found when mining for other semiprecious gems, such as garnets and peridots.
Types
Drusy is most commonly made up of clear quartz crystals and is usually found on blue or gray agate. It can also be found in varying shades of yellow, orange, red and brown. More rarely, it has appeared with green garnet crystals or brilliant blue azurite. Drusy quartz is delicate and can be easily damaged, so it is generally used in pendants.
Features
Drusy quartz can be made up of tiny crystals, which gives it a soft and velvety appearance. It can have a sugar-like appearance with medium crystals, or it can have large, distinctly formed crystals. Drusy can also be coated with a microscopic film of titanium, platinum, gold or sterling silver. This process is called vapor deposition. When a drusy is coated with titanium, it adds a brilliant purple, cobalt or rainbow of colors. Drusies can also be dyed.
Size
Drusies can range in size from tiny pieces that can be made into cabochons or large pieces that can be used as display specimens. They must be cut carefully, so as not to damage the delicate crystals. They are usually cut free form, and not in the standard cabochon shapes, to accentuate the beautiful crystals. Some gem cutters prefer to cut drusy so that only the crystals show from the front, and not the substrate. However, you just as often will see cabochons that show the beautiful agate substrate as well, which adds to the finished piece.
Benefits
Drusy quartz is an inexpensive material, but when cut properly it can make beautiful jewelry that rivals more expensive gemstones. Good specimens of drusy can be purchased at rock and mineral shows at substantially lower prices than other semiprecious stones. Depending on the size and color, cut gems can be had for anywhere from $15 to $600.
Considerations
When using drusy for jewelry making, take into account its delicacy. It is recommended for pendants, brooches or earrings and does not hold up well to the wear and tear a ring or bracelet might receive. It is usually bezel-set so that the edges will not get chipped. It is also popular as a display specimen because the agate substrate may be polished to show its beautiful mineral layers.
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