Digital publishing has almost replaced physical books. This is the idea that inspired this breath-taking art series. Boxes of discarded books abandoned on the sidewalk are a fairly common sight in most cities.

Struck by books rendered as garbage and scenes of shuttered bookstores Alexis Arnold created the groundbreaking Crystallized Books project. The San Francisco-based artist combined borax crystals with weathered computer manuals, books, and magazines. Arnold grew them into interesting organic forms that become artifacts.

“The books, frozen with crystal growth, have become… imbued with the history of time, use, and nostalgia,” says Arnold. In selecting books, she tries to found books. However, she will purchase titles, or use books from her library if she thinks they are conceptually appropriate.

Share with us any cool gem related art that you have seen or create yourself. We would love to see it on our FB page!