Orange Snowflake Phantom Quartz

A variety of phantom quartz. During growth, fine particles of iron oxide settled on the crystal surface like snowflakes, then the quartz resumed growing, sealing the pattern inside.

The phantom records each interruption and restart. The degree of iron oxidation sets the orange; the pattern of deposition creates the snowflake forms. Within one crystal, a log of environmental change.

Primarily from Brazil. Specimens with distinct patterning are limited. It looks like snow crystals trapped in stone—but it is iron, not snow. A product of heat, wearing the shape of something cold.

When the mood is heavy, some people try to remove the weight. Others try to recall the lightness. This stone works with the second approach. Not dispelling darkness — noticing that the lighter version of yourself is still in the room, waiting to be acknowledged. That method of remembering is the reason I chose it.