Some
beautiful specimens of quartz crystals, beaded with these imprisoned
drops, have been found at Trenton Falls, in the state of New York.
EMPLOYMENT OF QUARTZ IN THE FINE ARTS.
Quartz
has but little value of its own; but when it is made into vases, cups,
and other artistic obÂjects, it acquires a high price.
The
Athenians produced some exquisite works of art in rock crystal, and the
Romans valued it very highly in the form of vases. Nero had two cups of
it, which he broke in his rage when he heard of the revolt that caused
his downfall. One of these cups was estimated at over SI900.
The
elegantes of Rome were in the habit of using balls of rock crystal to
cool their hands, and certain occult charms were also said to reside in
these cold smooth globes.
In
the middle ages the Venetians produced some beautiful objects in rock
crystal; and Milan has long been famous for its statuettes, vases, and
girandoles of this material. But desire of gain has deteriorated the
artistic value of these productions; cut crystals have come to be sold
by weight, and the cutting is naturally falling into neglect.
In the cathedral at Milan the burial shrine of St. Charles Borromeo is wholly formed of plates of
