Description
Teak is a wood species with a strong reputation, yet there are many misconceptions about it. Originally from Southeast Asia, the teak tree (Tectona grandis) is now widely planted in the tropics. This results in significant variations in color, weight, hardness, and so on. The best quality teak is the old teak from East Java, which was used in traditional houses. These houses are often purchased purely for the quality of the teak, and then used to manufacture furniture. This beautiful, dark golden-brown, flamed wood is also called Djati. Another source of confusion is the numerous names in circulation consisting of "teak" with a prefix. Some of these are teak species from a specific growing region, while others are invented names (for other wood species). For example, (West) African teak is not teak at all, but Afrormosia, Pericopsis elata. A very rare, dense, and hard wood. Typical applications for teak are in shipbuilding, particularly yachts, and for indoor and garden furniture. In both applications, teak's excellent resistance to weather and wind, even without maintenance, is crucial. It is also used for fine carpentry and is a favorite of sculptors. It is also used in laboratories as a worktop material due to its inertness and low porosity. This wood was also used in the royal family's "Golden Coach," which was commissioned in February 1901.
A masterpiece, a beautiful interior design piece from Myanmar, where the rock crystal is set into the teak. It also looks stunning in front of a light source, where the rock crystal illuminates beautifully. The teak is certified and of excellent quality.
Rock crystal is the colorless and most common variety of the mineral quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO2). The name "rock crystal" is derived from the Greek word "krustallos," meaning ice. It was believed that rock crystal was ice shaped by the gods. Rock crystal was already known during the Mesolithic period. During the Roman period, it was brought from the Alps under the name "petrified ice." Theofratus called it "krystallos." Pliny the Elder also mentions it. The name "quartz" was introduced in 1529 by Georgius Agricola. Eastern peoples considered rock crystal the stone of patience and perfection. Tibetans use rock crystal to treat wounds. The choice of rock crystal as a drinking glass or as part of medieval jewelry can be attributed to the belief that these crystals would break or discolor when they came into contact with poison. Thus, the chain became an amulet that protected the king. Compare the Rudolphinian imperial crown and the chain of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Origin: Megnathites, pegmatites, hydrothermal and alpine veins, alluvial deposits. Occurrence: Rock crystal is widespread in nature, but not always in gem quality. Historically known sources are India and Sri Lanka (the Tatnaputi area). Iridescent quartz from the Poona region in India and Myanmar is rare. Beautiful crystals come from Kenya and Madagascar, as well as Brazil (Minas Gerais). Goisas, Bahia, and French Guiana. In the United States, rock crystal occurs in pegmatites, including in Maine (near Ausburn), New York, North Carolina, Arkansas (Crystal Peak), and California. Of particular significance are occurrences in the Alps. Rock crystals are found in Switzerland (for example, near Urim, where a 135 kg crystal was found in the area of St. Gotthard and Grimsel), and in Austria (in 1965, a crystal weighing almost 1000 kg was found in a cavity near the Grossglockner). Rock crystals are also found in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and France. Unique cut rock crystals are held in the collections of various museums. The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, owns a 7000-carat cut stone and a spherical rock crystal with a diameter of 33 cm and a weight of 48.5 kg; this one originates from Burma and was cut in China.
