[Blender] How would I give Crystals detail?

Jaykrass

Here's and example: https://blenderartists.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=407424&d=1446128240

I wanna understand how I would go about adding the bubbles, I think the texture would be easy, just create a bump and spec map, but what about the insides of the crystal?

Here's another good example: https://blenderartists.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=407425&d=1446128272

That one looks like it has a nuke in it O.o

Edit: I work with blender.

Eric Chadwick

Since it's all in Blender, and not meant for game export, you could use internal geometry for those parts. Then use a material on the surface that refracts the insides.

I edited your thread title to include [Blender]  since it helps to indicate your questions are specific to Blender, and will get you more eyeballs from people who know the software.

RN

You should also look at images of real crystals rather than just other artists' interpretations of what crystals look like. You might think of a way to make it look even more authentic.

Check the ice tutorial from CreativeShrimp, it might give you some ideas:
http://www.creativeshrimp.com/create-realistic-ice-lighting-book-02.html

Jaykrass

RN said:

You should also look at images of real crystals rather than just other artists' interpretations of what crystals look like. You might think of a way to make it look even more authentic.

Check the ice tutorial from CreativeShrimp, it might give you some ideas:
http://www.creativeshrimp.com/create-realistic-ice-lighting-book-02.html

Thanks I was considering watching an Ice tutorial last night, I'll try it out and post my progress.

RN

After reading it again, that tutorial echoes what Eric said about internal objects for detail, "Simulate volume by placing something inside the ice", like spheres for bubbles etc.

A lot of the look will also come from the material(s).
There's a good reference here with GIFs and such about each Cycles shading node:
http://www.blenderguru.com/articles/cycles-shader-encyclopedia/

Jaykrass

RN said:

After reading it again, that tutorial echoes what Eric said about internal objects for detail, "Simulate volume by placing something inside the ice", like spheres for bubbles etc.

A lot of the look will also come from the material(s).
There's a good reference here with GIFs and such about each Cycles shading node:
http://www.blenderguru.com/articles/cycles-shader-encyclopedia/

I actually tried the tutorial but for some reason it was just not rendering the same for me as it was for him O.o.....