Mermaid Crystal® Fact Sheet

Q: What is Mermaid Crystal?
A: Mermaid Crystal is a new synthetic cutting material, which closely resembles fire opal. The flashes of color resemble "fire".

Q: When did this material become available?
A: Mermaid Crystal made its debut at the Tucson Gem And Mineral Show in February 2003.

Q: What is it made from?
A: It is made from a special type of crystal glass with dichroic flakes floating inside.

Q: What sizes are available?
A: It is available in slabs ¼ to ½ inch thick.

Q: How do I cut this material?
A: It may be cut into cabochons or carved with lapidary tools. The transparent type makes fabulous faceted stones.

Q: What are dichroic flakes?
A: They are pieces of a thin film consisting of alternating layers of silica and zirconia each only one quarter of the thickness of a wave of light.

Q: What makes the color flashes in Mermaid Crystal?
A: The layers (which are clear and uncolored) produce color by diffraction in a way similar to natural gem opal.

Q: How do I orient this material for best effect?
A: Like natural opal, Mermaid Crystal has an orientation for maximum fire. This fire layer is always oriented parallel to the slab, unlike natural opal. The material is therefore self orienting. Just mark the slab and cut it. If you are faceting make the top of the slab the table facet.

Q: Is it easy to cut?
A: Very easy. Carbide or diamond wheels work well. Light pressure is recommended.

Q: What is the best polish?
A: Cerium oxide is the fastest but any polishing compound will work. It takes a super polish.

Q: Should I cut it high dome or low dome?
A: It looks great either way.

Q: Who makes Mermaid Crystal?
A: Azotic Coating Technology Inc. located at 921 37th Ave NW Rochester Minnesota 507-280-6763 Website: azotic.us