Crystal - Front Lit These are three identical photos of a crystal where the only variable is lighting, and even that with very basic changes. Since the crystal was translucent I alternated front side-ilighting (top), backlighting, and a combination.

In the side-lit (about 60 degree front side light) version (top) the texture of the crystal surface stands out clearly, however, little or nothing suggests this was a translucent subject.

Crystal - Back Lit In the second version I used backlighting only. The internal structure of the crystal came to life but the front surface rendered completely flat.

Crystal - Front & Back Lit In the final version, I combined the two lights thus revealing the translucent nature of the subject while also maintaining some of the texture of the front surface. Of course, many more versions can be had by tuning the ratio between the side and back lights to achieve the desired effect.

The crystal itself was born from dissolved and then crystalized Sodium Acetate.

Have fun!