French Rock Crystal Star, Based

A burst of clear crystal, balanced on a brass stem.

This rock crystal star was made in France in the 20th century. Clusters of quartz crystal have long been collected and prized for their clarity, and displaying them on slender stems turns the natural form into something like sculpture. Dozens of pointed, glassy crystals radiate from a central point, some frosted white and some perfectly clear. A thin brass rod rises from a small brass foot and a black stone base.

About 12 inches tall. A firework that has agreed to hold still.