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David
Joined: 01 Nov 2011
Posts: 101
Location: Bucharest
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Posted: May 19, 2013 15:06 Post subject: Perfect replicas of natural crystals? |
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There are many man-made crystals, some of them imitating natural crystals. In some cases only a specialist can tell the difference between a natural crystal and a synthetic one, like in the case of gems for example. But is it possible to create a perfect replica of a natural crystal?
Nowadays we have 3D printers and they are getting better and better at constructing intricate objects layer by layer and dot by dot, following a computer generated model. The material of choice is usually some sort of resin hardening by exposure to UV light. What if in the near future 3D printers will also work with materials natural crystals are made of and become more accurate and cheaper to use? Accurate enough to make a perfect replica of your favorite one of a kind mineral specimen. Or maybe to make a surreal crystal combination out of this Earth?
What do you think? Could that be? What impact might that have on mineral collecting?
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Riccardo Modanesi
Joined: 07 Nov 2011
Posts: 620
Location: Milano
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Posted: May 20, 2013 08:01 Post subject: Re: Perfect replicas of natural crystals? |
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Hi David!
The issue is: what do you mean by replica? if you mean a synthesis, as well as in case of gemstones, there is a long history of research, thus keeping present a synthetic emerald IS an emerald from a pure mineralogical point of view. If you mean an imitation ( like glass for instance), then you can do everything you wish and call it replica! But a mineral collector usually wants TRUE specimen and not "replicas". A fossil collector may be satisfied of a replica if well done, expecially if the original specimen belongs to a famous museum. A gemmologist may be interested to synthesis and imitations, even because he/she wants to study and analyze them. Take it just as an opoinion.
Greetings from Italy by Riccardo.
_________________ Hi! I'm a collector of minerals since 1973 and a gemmologist. On Summer I always visit mines and quarries all over Europe looking for minerals! Ok, there is time to tell you much much more! Greetings from Italy by Riccardo. |
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James Catmur
Site Admin
Joined: 14 Sep 2006
Posts: 1350
Location: Cambridge
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Posted: May 20, 2013 08:26 Post subject: Re: Perfect replicas of natural crystals? |
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David
That does raise an interesting question. Could we print copies of our favorite specimens, or of ones we love in another collection? I am sure we could get the shape correct (using scanning technology?) but how on earth (pardon the pun) would we get the color and transparency right? Since we would not print in the right material it could never be perfect.
James
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Herman van Dennebroek
Joined: 07 Feb 2011
Posts: 87
Location: Blaricum
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Posted: May 20, 2013 17:12 Post subject: Re: Perfect replicas of natural crystals? |
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A copy of a good crystallised specimen can be helpful for study and educational purpose.
As a collector I will never put copies in my collection. I'm collecting minerals, no copies.
_________________ boardmember of Stichting Geologische Aktiviteiten (GEA) |
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Josele
Joined: 10 Apr 2012
Posts: 410
Location: Tarifa, Spain
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Posted: May 20, 2013 19:46 Post subject: Re: Perfect replicas of natural crystals? |
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One of most fascinating characteristics of mineral specimens is its imperfection compared to ideal geometric pattern. Gloss, striation, texture, inclusions, etching, crystal defects, ... a lot of small details that can not be faked easily. To manufacture a imitation enough convincing to mislead an expert would be very very more expensive than the true specimen itself.
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Garnet trio made with a 3D printer, very useful for educational purposes. |
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