Quartz “Japan-Law” Twin
Gunyahang Quartz Mine, Makalu, Sankhuwasabha District, P1 Koshi Pradesh, Nepal
7.6cm tall x 18cm wide
Twinning in crystals is a fascinating characteristic. What is commonly known as “Japan-Law” twinning being amongst the most sought after. These twins have a very distinctive appearance, like butterfly wings or a heart shape. The individual crystals are usually flattened and must meet at exactly an angle of 84°33'. Additionally, two of the “m” faces on each crystal must be parallel. The “m” faces would commonly be thought of as the sides of the crystals, not the terminations.
There are several theories which discuss the crystal growth at an atomic level of the “Japan Law” twin but they remain unproven. The name itself comes from one mine, The Otome Mine, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. In the 1890s, Victor Goldschmidt, the renowned crystallographer, coined the name from crystals he studied from this mine.
It is in the shadow of Mt. Everest that the very finest examples of “Japan-Law” quartz are found. This exceptional example has a single large twin, with two distinctly different terminations, perched at the edge of a matrix of clear quartz crystals. The composition showcases a variety of angular, prismatic crystal formations, each with a transparent surface that catches and refracts light. The large twin rises majestically, while the smaller ones nestle around, bringing to mind notions of growth and unity. A vivid exploration of nature’s geometrical elegance.