The seizure of quartz crystals from a man at Tripurapuram village in Nakirikallu mandal on Tuesday has created flutter here. Mining and Revenue department officials, who recovered about 300 kg of quartz crystals, say that the stones are not precious, though they might be used in the making of glass.
Gadiboyina Kondalu, a resident of Tripurapuram village, allegedly hoarded the stones reportedly found in the soil at the site where works relating to laying of railway track between Nadikudi-Srikalahasti are going in. Mr. Kondalu has been collecting these stones in various shapes, assuming that they would fetch a good price in the market. The local revenue and mining officials who got wind of the news that some outsiders have been visiting the house of Kondalu frequently, raided his house on Tuesday.
“The Quartz crystals turn into white colour as they are exposed to Sun for a long time. They are not precious stones but the crystals could be used in the making of glass and allied products,” Assistant Director, Mines, Dachepalli, B. Jagannatha Rao told The Hindu .
Mining department royalty inspector Shariff, who broke open a crystal, said that there was no sign of any precious metal in the crystal and added that the stones are usually found during digging in the hills.
