Quartz spheres (Laser etched ‘fireworks’)

Quartz spheres (Laser etched 'fireworks')

Super odd little laser etched Quartz spheres, with 'inclusions' in the shape of fireworks laser etched into them. These are tiny spheres measuring 12-15MM approximately and should be considered altered due to the etching.

I think these are quite pretty, personally, and after spotting them I had to grab a few to have a closer look and see how it was being done. Essentially these are natural Quartz spheres which have then been internally engraved with a laser.

Someone on a gemology group provided me with a link to a GIA article about laser etched 'phantom quartz', which is worth a read. The crossing of two laser beams inside the material produces heat and a stress fracture, apparently - I'm pretty sure its witchcraft though. If a laser expert fancies explaining it in very, very simple terms...

Unfortunately, it is likely that if this technology is being used to fake inclusions, it will only continue and likely increase - so well worth learning to spot it now.