Need an Anchorhead 2018 hint

I’m not sure what to do near the end where I have a replacement crystal to give to Michael at the machine after I remove the existing crystal, but I clearly have to mess the replacement crystal up somehow. It seems indestructible like a diamond, and everything I’ve tried hasn’t worked.

I’m worried I’ve missed some crucial item that I need to use. Can someone give me a gentle hint?

One of the newspaper clippings in the scrapbook suggests a way one might damage the crystal.

Thanks Mike! That was all I needed.

I really enjoyed this. First time I’ve played it through to completion.