Material reference

Butter Quartz · Banayad na Liwanag

Scientific identity, documented history, and community contexts are presented with sources. TÁWID’s contemporary design interpretation is identified separately.

Material identity

“Butter Quartz” is a commercial colour description, rather than a mineral species or a universally standardized variety. If identified as quartz, the material is principally silicon dioxide. The trade name does not establish the cause of its yellow colour or any treatment history. [1] [3]

Documented historical context

No securely dated origin for the “Butter Quartz” trade name was established in the references consulted. The wider history of quartz offers a comparison, without identifying ancient objects as this modern variety.

The Aga Khan Museum’s tenth-century Iraqi rock-crystal palette has two circular hollows and carved floral ornament. Its precise function remains uncertain, but its workmanship records the skilled shaping of solid quartz. It is clear rock crystal, not a documented example of Butter Quartz.

Quartz also has modern industrial uses. USGS describes cultured quartz crystal selected for optical and piezoelectric properties. These engineered applications are another part of quartz’s material history; they are unrelated to a bracelet’s commercial colour name. [2] [4]

TÁWID’s contemporary interpretation

Banayad na Liwanag is TÁWID’s contemporary title for a gentle visual palette and unhurried attention.

Material note

The catalogue name describes a visual palette. Composition, colour cause, treatment, and source should be recorded separately when documented.

References

1. Handbook of Mineralogy, “Quartz” (2001)
2. US Geological Survey, “Silica Statistics and Information”
3. Australian Museum, “Quartz”
4. Aga Khan Museum, “Palette,” Iraq, tenth century, AKM653

How to read the material guide · Ask about a bracelet