| Original Message: Re: Crazing and "Matrix" |
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Hi Russ, I still think what you say is only partially true. There are two different treatments that are being applied to magnesite fake turquoise. Your photo demonstrates both. All six strands of beads have been distressed, to have cracks or crazing—the first three and the lowest more than the others. Crazing is most likely caused by heating and chilling, and provides a certain look. It is useful for imitating the look of spider-web turquoise, and in this sense is or can be a "matrix" effect. But, essentially, crackling is intended to make an object seem old. In contrast, your strands four and five (particularly five) have a different treatment (as well), that imitates matrix (but not crackling). This is a more random effect, that I can only imagine is manually induced—because it really looks like turquoise matrix, and not like crackle. (In other words, it is specific to the appearance of turquoise, and would be less effective in treating other supposed stones, though MANY fakes of other materials have been distressed to have crazing.) This matrix effect is superficial, and does not penetrate into the beads. Broken magnesite beads are entirely clear inside, though the green or blue-green color percolated through. I'm in a rush to get out of here. Back tomorrow. Jamey All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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