We've all had those crystals that just BARELY won't stand up on their side, but you don't want to have the look of putting them in an actual stand. Or even those cute little pieces that you aren't quite sure how to display them other than just having them lay there on their side. Here is a crystal industry trick for you!! Crystal sellers not only use it to prop up crystals, but many use it to temporarily adhere price stickers to crystals with uneven surfaces (like raw specimens). And it is probably a life hack in general HAHA. I legit use it on everything.
Earthquake Putty! Seriously. This little white putty works for so many things in crystal world, but most importantly, you can use it to help crystal babies stand up. And for less than $6 for a crap ton of it, skies the limit my friends! Well, of course weight and gravity are actually your limit. : )
All you have to do is use the putty to create a little 'stand' for the pieces that just don't want to completely stay up. Here are some shots of how I got this little white apophyllite to stand up.
You can also use this for small thumbnail crystal specimens by placing them on acrylic square stands or thumbnail perky boxes like the ones I have available.
I found it on Amazon, but I'm sure you can find it more places as well. But here is the link to the earthquake putty if you want to grab some for yourself. Of course sometimes you have to breakdown and use a crystal holder or stand. I'm working on getting more up in the shop all the time to suit many needs and styles!
What is earthquake putty?
Earthquake putty, also known as museum putty or quake hold, is a type of adhesive putty used to secure objects in place during earthquakes or other seismic events. It is made from a blend of synthetic resins and polymers, which make it malleable and sticky enough to hold objects in place, but also strong enough to resist movement. Earthquake putty is non-toxic and safe to use on most surfaces, including glass, ceramics, and wood. It can be removed easily without leaving any residue or damage to the surface it was applied to. On some SUPER porous crystals it make not be safe, but for the most part you won't have any issues. Due to its effectiveness and ease of use, earthquake putty has become a popular choice for securing valuable or fragile objects in earthquake-prone areas, as well as for everyday use in homes and offices.
While earthquake putty is commonly used in areas that are prone to earthquakes, it can also be useful in other situations. For example, if you live in an area that experiences strong winds or or you know, you have kids running around, using earthquake putty to secure your valuables can be a smart precaution. Additionally, earthquake putty can be helpful for people who live in apartments or dorm rooms, where furniture and decor may need to be frequently moved or you share walls and floors that may cause subtle movement.
By using earthquake putty to secure items, you can prevent damage to both the items and the walls or furniture they may be placed on. Plus, earthquake putty is not just for crystals and small items - it can also be used to secure larger objects like lamps or picture frames. Overall, earthquake putty is a versatile and useful tool for anyone looking to protect their valuables and prevent damage in various situations.