Phantom quartz is a crystal with its own memory. At some point during growth, the crystal paused, and a fine dusting of minerals such as chlorite, hematite or clay settled on its faces. When growth resumed, that dusted outline was sealed inside, leaving a ghostly image of the younger, smaller crystal floating within the finished one. Some stones hold several phantoms, like tree rings in three dimensions. Brazil and Madagascar are major sources, with lovely material from the Alps and elsewhere.
Being quartz, phantoms have a hardness of 7 and no cleavage, so they are perfectly happy in everyday jewellery. They are cut as polished points, gentle freeforms and cabochons, always oriented so the phantom shows clearly through a clean window. Faceting is rarer, since flat facets can scatter the view. Each stone is a little geological diary, and no two are alike. Care is easy: warm, soapy water and a soft cloth will do it.
All clear quartz with interesting inclusions: phantoms, garden scenes and golden needles in quartz.
