rock crystal

American  

noun

1. transparent quartz, especially when colorless.

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rock crystal British  

noun

1. a pure transparent colourless quartz, used in electronic and optical equipment. Formula: SiO 2

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Etymology

Origin of rock crystal

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

It held a rock crystal dagger, ivory tusks and other lavish items.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2023

Another clock linked to Queen Victoria's reign is a large organ clock in the King's Drawing Room, which houses a Bible placed by the monarch inside a rock crystal casket.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2020

A luminous chunk of rock crystal sits atop a small plywood box, as if a crystal radio to Frida Kahlo's spirit world.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2015

Gilded mirror frames are studded with porcelain fragments, while graceful bronze chandeliers bear lyrical flourishes of plaster, rock crystal, and white marble.

From Architectural Digest • May 15, 2015

I hadn't had a freshwater bath in three weeks and was glistening with caked salt like a stick of rock crystal candy.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos