The Gate, Qatar’s new mall, is hosting an exhibition of crystals by English photographer and crystal-collector Robert McLeod. About 160 pieces of assorted crystals, of varied colour and textures, are on show at the exhibition, titled The World of Crystals. The crystals, which are also for sale will be on display until the end of December. McLeod’s assorted collection of crystals has been retrieved from locations that are as close to the natural source as possible. “I have been to mines in Brazil and Uruguay as well as to small local dealers in India and China,” he said.A spokesperson for The Gate explained that the uniqueness of McLeod’s collection is something that paved the way for the exhibition. “The Gate is committed to opening up our doors to exhibitions such as these because they reflect uniqueness and beauty of natural elements.”McLeod observed that according to certain beliefs, crystals are known for their protective and health-enhancing powers. For example, Agate is said to enhance one’s perceptiveness, while Amethyst has a soothing and relaxing effect on people.Genuine rubies in marble from Vietnam and iron pyrite cubes are among the highlights. Though iron pyrite is a common mineral found in most countries, only in the Pyrenees of Spain are the conditions just right for it to form into perfect gleaming cubes suspended in limestone. “So many people see these and ask whether we cut the cubes and stuck them in cement! This is a completely natural formation and it happens to be the biggest and best piece ever found in the 45-year history of the mine. It’s a real museum piece,” McLeod said.Other crystals on display are Quartz, Jasper, Copper and Agate. There are also some others such as Heulandite, Stilbite, Spinel, Pyrite, Chalcedony, Petrified Wood, Fluorite, Cavansite, which form part of McLeod’s collection.