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Difference between revisions of "Crystal"
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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, diamonds, 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. | Examples of large crystals include snowflakes, [[diamonds]], 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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===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. | ||