Spectacular Quartz Twin Crystal

This highly translucent twin crystal is an amazing piece full of fascinating inclusions.

Crystals that grow together in this formation are known as twins.  The process is called twinning.  The two crystals which will often be symmetrical grow together from the same base.    

Twins usually form when the crystal is subjected to some form of stress usually a temperature or pressure change.  To be classified as a twin both crystals must be in a clearly identifiable relationship to each other.

In crystal healing when the two quartz crystals are of a similar height the formation is known as a tantric twin crystal.