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A '''crystal''' or crystalline solid is a solid material whose constituents (such as atoms, molecules, or ions) are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. In addition, macroscopic single crystals are usually identifiable by their geometrical shape, consisting of flat faces with specific, characteristic orientations. The scientific study of crystals and crystal formation is known as crystallography. The process of crystal formation via mechanisms of crystal growth is called crystallization or solidification. | A '''crystal''' or crystalline solid is a solid material whose constituents (such as atoms, molecules, or ions) are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. In addition, macroscopic single crystals are usually identifiable by their geometrical shape, consisting of flat faces with specific, characteristic orientations. The scientific study of crystals and crystal formation is known as crystallography. The process of crystal formation via mechanisms of crystal growth is called crystallization or solidification. | ||
Crystals, or crystalline solids, are often used in crystal healing therapy, and, along with gemstones, are sometimes associated with spellwork in [[Wicca]]n beliefs and related [[occult]] practices. The Sumerians utilized crystals in their magical formulas as long as 6000 years ago. | Crystals, or crystalline solids, are often used in crystal healing therapy, and, along with gemstones, are sometimes associated with spellwork in [[Wicca]]n beliefs and related [[occult]] practices. The Sumerians utilized crystals in their [[ritual magic|magical]] formulas as long as 6000 years ago. | ||
Examples of large crystals include snowflakes, | Examples of large crystals include snowflakes, [[diamond]]s, and table salt. Most inorganic solids are not crystals but polycrystals, i.e. many microscopic crystals fused together into a single solid. Polycrystals include most metals, rocks, ceramics, and ice. A third category of solids is amorphous solids, where the atoms have no periodic structure whatsoever. Examples of amorphous solids include glass, wax, and many plastics. | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
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==Crystal healing== | ==Crystal healing== | ||
[[File:Crystal-Ball.jpg|400px|thumb|A crystal sphere used for [[scrying]]]] | [[File:Crystal-Ball.jpg|400px|thumb|A crystal sphere used for [[scrying]]]] | ||
Crystal healing is an alternative-medicine practice that uses semiprecious stones and crystals with natural healing powers. Practitioners of crystal healing believe they can boost low energy, prevent bad energy, release blocked energy, and transform a body's aura. In one method, the practitioner places crystals on different parts of the body, often corresponding to | Crystal healing is an alternative-medicine practice that uses semiprecious stones and crystals with natural healing powers. Practitioners of crystal healing believe they can boost low energy, prevent bad energy, release blocked energy, and transform a body's aura. In one method, the practitioner places crystals on different parts of the body, often corresponding to [[chakra]]s; or else the practitioner places crystals around the body in an attempt to construct an energy grid, which is purported to surround the client with healing energy. | ||
Crystal healing is heavily associated with the [[New Age]] spiritual movement and has become the middle-class New Age healing activity ''par excellence''. In contrast with other forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), participants in crystal healing view the practice as "individuated," that is dependent on extreme personalization and creative expression. | Crystal healing is heavily associated with the [[New Age]] spiritual movement and has become the middle-class New Age healing activity ''par excellence''. In contrast with other forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), participants in crystal healing view the practice as "individuated," that is dependent on extreme personalization and creative expression. | ||
Practitioners of crystal healing purport that certain physical properties such as shape, color, and markings, determine the ailments that a stone can heal; lists of such links are published online and in crystal healing books. Paradoxically, practitioners also "hold the view that crystals have no intrinsic qualities but that, instead, their quality changes according to both" participants. After selecting the stones by color or their believed [[metaphysics|metaphysical]] qualities, they place them on parts of the body. Color selection and placement of stones are done according to concepts of grounding, | Practitioners of crystal healing purport that certain physical properties such as shape, color, and markings, determine the ailments that a stone can heal; lists of such links are published online and in crystal healing books. Paradoxically, practitioners also "hold the view that crystals have no intrinsic qualities but that, instead, their quality changes according to both" participants. After selecting the stones by color or their believed [[metaphysics|metaphysical]] qualities, they place them on parts of the body. Color selection and placement of stones are done according to concepts of grounding, [[chakra]]s, or energy grids. | ||
===Varying beliefs=== | ===Varying beliefs=== | ||
Across cultures, different stones can symbolize or provide aid for different things. An example of this is rose quartz: | Across cultures, different stones can symbolize or provide aid for different things. An example of this is rose [[quartz]]: | ||
* Ancient Egypt: rose quartz prevents aging. | * Ancient Egypt: rose quartz prevents aging. | ||
* Ancient Rome: used rose quartz as a seal to signify ownership. | * Ancient Rome: used rose quartz as a seal to signify ownership. | ||