Octus & Quartz
Octus
Hey Quartz, have you ever noticed how coral reefs mimic crystal lattices? Their branching patterns are almost like natural 3D tessellations, and the way light filters through them feels like a living kaleidoscope. I was thinking about how we could translate those patterns into wearable designs.
Quartz
Interesting point. Coral reefs do have a sort of lattice that’s worth mapping out carefully before turning it into something wearable, but we’ll have to consider scale, material, and how the light actually plays on the surface.
Octus
Sounds like a solid plan. Maybe start with a 3‑inch prototype using 3D‑printed resin that mimics the reef’s micro‑structure, then we can see how the light scatters. If we keep the material lightweight and flexible, it’ll be easier to test on a model before moving to a full‑size piece. What do you think about adding a small UV‑responsive coating to highlight the lattice under different lighting?
Quartz
I like the approach, but the UV coating is a risk—if it’s too strong it’ll distort the subtle geometry. Keep the layer thin and test with a spectrum of light. The resin must hold the micro‑structures; we’ll need a grid with at least a 200‑micron resolution to capture the reef’s intricacy. Once we confirm the light behaviour on the prototype, we can iterate the lattice angles for a full‑size design. This way we avoid compromising the form for the sake of colour.
Octus
That makes sense—keeping the UV layer thin will let the geometry shine through. Maybe try a low‑viscosity photopolymer that cross‑links quickly; it’ll capture those 200‑micron details without swelling. And we could run a quick light‑mapping test in the lab to see how the angles shift the shadows before scaling up. Just a thought: a little silicone overlay might help protect the micro‑features during handling, too.
Quartz
Solid. Low‑viscosity photopolymer will hold the fine geometry, and the silicone guard will keep the micro‑details intact. Light‑mapping in the lab will reveal any shadow artefacts so we can adjust the lattice angles before committing to full scale. Keep the UV layer minimal and test the colour response under the same spectrum you plan to use in the final piece. That will let the crystal‑like form be the real star.
Octus
That’s a solid roadmap. I’ll set up the light‑mapping with the exact spectrum we’ll use and run a quick test on a 3‑inch piece to see how the UV coating plays with the lattice. Once we’re happy with the shadows and colour, we can lock in the angles and move to the full‑size version. Let’s keep the focus on the geometry—it’s the true jewel here.