Opalescent quartz is one of the most unusual and rare mineral specimens as it is created with the help of the rare metal platinum. To start, the highest grade quartz crystals are selected. These are then treated with platinum. This treatment is done via an electrostatic process whereby the crystals are put into a vacuum and charged opposite the silver.Heat is applied. The platinum is then put into the vacuum and it "clings" to the crystals. The crystals are then turned over and the process is repeated, so that all areas of the crystals are covered.The platinum, when charged and treated in a vacuum environment, will combine with the quartz and produce subtle changes with the color of the quartz. The quartz will appear to have a slight flash or a soft pastel iridescent glow to it. Opalescent quartz has the same properties of regular quartz, except they are said to be more enhanced and intense due to the presence of platinum.
