Selenite, with its peekaboo, nowyou-see-through-it /now-you-don’t translucence, is the negligee of minerals, making it a natural for a glam accent in the home. don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ll dispose of its dust deposits with a dose of tap water, though. essentially a salt, selenite dissolves in water, rendering its demise as sure as that of lot’s wife.

Rock crystal obelisks, from $2,500 a pair; Smith Grubbs (404/239-9206), trade only.