French Rock Crystal Star, Based

Quartz, caught in the act of blooming.

A French maker assembled this star of rock crystal in the 20th century. Rock crystal is a clear form of quartz that has been prized for ornament and display for centuries. Here a cluster of pointed crystals radiates outward into a loose, spiky sphere, white at the heart and glassy at the tips. It is mounted on a slim brass rod, with a small turned brass collar, and stands on a square black base.

About 15 inches tall. Catches window light better than most lamps do.