Difference between revisions of "Crystal"

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[[File:Garnet Crystal.jpg|400px|thumb|A [[garnet]] crystal]]
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.


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==Crystal healing==
==Crystal healing==
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 chakras; 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.
[[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 [[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, chakras, or energy grids.
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===
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==Use in divination==
==Use in divination==
[[File:Philosopher Stone.png|400px|thumb|The Philosopher's Stone is sometimes imagined as a crystal]]
Crystals are utilized by modern [[clairvoyance|psychics]] and others as a tool to facilitate [[divination]]. Perhaps the most common usage is in [[scrying]], the practice of looking into a reflective surface in the hope of detecting significant messages or visions. Specifically-shaped crystals, such as a [[crystal ball]], are frequently employed and have entered popular culture as tropes in fiction.
Crystals are utilized by modern [[clairvoyance|psychics]] and others as a tool to facilitate [[divination]]. Perhaps the most common usage is in [[scrying]], the practice of looking into a reflective surface in the hope of detecting significant messages or visions. Specifically-shaped crystals, such as a [[crystal ball]], are frequently employed and have entered popular culture as tropes in fiction.


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* [[Cup of Jamshid]]
* [[Cup of Jamshid]]
* [[Crystal ball]]s
* [[Crystal ball]]s
* The [[Philosopher's stone]]
* The [[Emerald Tablet]]
* The [[Emerald Tablet]]
* Crystal skulls
* Crystal skulls
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[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Methods of Divination]]
[[Category:Methods of Divination]]
[[Category:Featured Articles]]