The facts
What rock crystal actually is
Mineralogically, rock crystal is quartz — SiO₂, crystallising in the trigonal system.
A refractometer reads 1.544–1.553, and the specific gravity sits near 2.65; cleavage is none.
Where rock crystal comes from
The recognised sources are Arkansas, USA, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Madagascar and Swiss Alps.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
Is rock crystal treated?
None. Coated and irradiated novelty material exists.
Nothing needs disclosing, and nothing about the stone can change after you buy it. If a price looks impossible, the risk is substitution rather than treatment.
What rock crystal is confused with
The usual confusions are Glass, Synthetic quartz and Topaz.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.544–1.553 and specific gravity 2.65 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What rock crystal is used for
Rock crystal is bought by jewellery, decorative objects, awards and corporate gifts, optics, wellness and body care, lighting and architecture and interiors — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the piece or by the order.
Durability and care
Rock crystal is 7 on the Mohs scale, with none cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What rock crystal costs
Indicative pricing for rock crystal is $1–50/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is rock crystal treated?
None. Coated and irradiated novelty material exists.
Where does rock crystal come from?
Arkansas, USA, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Madagascar and Swiss Alps. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is rock crystal hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does rock crystal cost?
Indicatively $1–50/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is rock crystal confused with?
Most often Glass, Synthetic quartz and Topaz. A refractive index of 1.544–1.553 and a specific gravity near 2.65 separate it quickly.
What is rock crystal used for besides jewellery?
decorative objects, awards and corporate gifts, optics, wellness and body care, lighting and architecture and interiors. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for rock crystal?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about rock crystal