Get The TechniqueI love rocks. I love rocks in all kinds and in all forms. Give me the weathered beach pebble, the jagged outcropping, the polished gemstone or the raw crystal; I never get enough of looking at them or collecting them. Last summer when I was visiting Moonlight Gemstones in Marfa, TX, my head almost popped off when I learned of Cueva de los Cristales, or Cave of Crystals located near Chihuahua, Mexico. I still look at the photos from National Geographic in total disbelief. In my dream of dreams I hope to one day experience some sort of underground cavern of crystals. Meanwhile I dream and collect above ground on a much smaller level.
When I purchased this chunk of crystal at a flea market I knew immediately I wanted to figure out a way to use it as a lamp base.
My biggest concern was drilling a hole through the crystal for the lamp pipe. DO NOT try drilling a hole in a crystal if you do not have the proper lapidary equipment. It simply is not safe. I called around to a few gemstone/rock shops and I am happy to report that everyone had info or was willing to take a look. All quotes were under $20, which I think is more then reasonable when it comes to safety. In the end I worked with a friend who knew what they were doing, so I go the chance to observe and be part of the whole process for creating my lamp.
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Later in the summer I am going on a trip to Herkimer, NY to try my hand at mining for “diamonds”. I cannot wait to see what I find in the mines there, and will certainly post photos if they are exciting. Fingers crossed!
From: Lulu | 6/12/09 at 10:09 am
I "mined for diamonds" in Herkimer on a field trip in grade school. None of my classmates really found anything, but it was fun!
From: Lisa | 6/12/09 at 1:14 pm
Just this week were talking about going to Herkimer. We were in NH and finding lots of mica and thought crystal mining would be even more fun. Let me know how it is.
From: Rowaida Flayhan | 6/12/09 at 2:22 pm
What a beautiful project and idea, have a piece of beautiful crystal with amethyst from Brazil.
Thank you for inspiring us with beautiful projects.
God bless
From: Katie S | 6/13/09 at 1:24 pm
Oooh, this is awesome! And good timing. I have a recently purchased DIY lamp kit that I'm dying to try out. Wish I had that huge sparkly crystal for a base!
From: Rachel | 6/15/09 at 5:07 pm
Wow, this is so cool! I'll be linking to this.