There are a dazzling array of terms that often get intertwined, leading to confusion among enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Crystals, minerals, rocks, gems, and gemstones – are they all the same? Are they different entities altogether? Are all crystals minerals and are all minerals crystals? Can a rock be a gemstone at the same time? Read on to learn the differences.
Minerals
Crystals and minerals are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure. In simpler terms, minerals are the building blocks of rocks, each possessing a distinct set of physical properties.
To understand a bit more about how minerals are formed, it's essential to delve into the realm of chemistry. The periodic table, that iconic chart found in every chemistry classroom, is a visual representation of all known chemical elements. Organized by atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties, the periodic table provides a comprehensive roadmap for understanding the building blocks of matter.
Elemental Composition of Minerals - Minerals are composed of chemical compounds known as chemical formulas, which consist of one or more elements bonded together in specific ratios. These elements come together through various geological processes such as crystallization from magma, precipitation from solutions, or metamorphic transformations under extreme heat and pressure.
Diversity in Elemental Composition - The elemental composition of minerals varies widely, giving rise to the vast diversity of minerals found in nature. Some minerals are composed of just one or a few elements, while others may contain dozens of different elements in complex arrangements. Simply put minerals are made up of chemical elements and have a crystalline structure.
Crystals
On the other hand, a crystal refers to a solid material whose atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern (see diagram below), creating a symmetrical shape with flat surfaces known as faces. While all minerals are crystalline in nature, not all crystals are minerals. For instance, table salt (sodium chloride) forms cubic crystals but is not classified as a mineral because it lacks a naturally occurring origin.
The Seven Crystal Groups: Diversity in Structure - All crystals fall into one of the seven crystal systems, each characterized by its unique symmetry and arrangement of atoms. These systems are based on the shape and symmetry of the crystal faces, these shapes are extremely helpful when it comes to identifying crystals. This is just a summary, I will cover the topic in more detail in a separate blog.
1.Cubic System Examples include diamond, pyrite, and halite.
2.Tetragonal System: Examples include zircon and rutile.
3.Orthorhombic System: Examples include topaz and olivine.
4.Hexagonal System: Examples include beryl.
5.Trigonal System: calcite and tourmaline.
6. Monoclinic System: Examples include gypsum and azurite.
7. Triclinic System: Examples include kyanite and labradorite.
So for the most part crystals are also minerals, but “crystal” is a specific description for the external shape seen. It occurred to me that one of the reasons for the different uses of the words “minerals” and “crystals” might be to do with the backgrounds that we have, our knowledge and different perspectives. By that I mean if you come from more of a science background and collect minerals purely for their beauty and interest you are probably more likely to refer to them as “minerals” and yourself as a “mineral collector”. If you come from a perspective of either collecting for beauty or for spiritual properties then it seems you are more likely to refer to them as “crystals”.
In part this may be to do with the fact that often people who want to own crystals for their spiritual purposes are more likely to buy minerals that are formed in strongly crystalline shapes, mineral collectors on the other hand may take a broader view when deciding whether to buy a mineral, the strength of the crystal shape the mineral exhibits will be a consideration but not the only one. This distinction may have a practical basis as well, crystals that are to be handled regularly, for example for meditation or healing do need to be durable, anything fragile or sharp isn’t going to be suitable. However mineral collectors tend to keep their pieces in cabinets and handle them less, so sharp and fragile minerals are easily included.
It's just a theory based on the questions that customers ask me and what I have observed, at the end of the day I think people are attracted to whatever they need in their lives, no matter what it is called!
Rocks
A rock is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more minerals, rocks can also contain organic matter, such as fossils or plant debris.
Unlike minerals, rocks do not have a fixed chemical composition or crystalline structure, they are classified based on their origin, texture, and mineral composition.
There are three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Examples of rocks include granite, marble, shale and jade. (shown below)
In summary, while minerals are the individual building blocks with specific chemical compositions and crystalline structures, rocks are composed of aggregates of minerals and can vary in composition, texture, and origin. Thinking about gem materials, both jade and obsidian are classed as rocks.
Gems and Gemstones
There is a universal view on the definition of minerals, crystals and rocks as I have just set out, however when it comes to “gems” and “gemstones” it is fair to say there are different views and interpretations so bear that in mind! The following is what I use and makes sense to me. I learnt this from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A).
A “gem” refers to any material used for adornment or decoration, especially when cut and polished. This can include gemstones, glass, manmade substances such as cubic zirconia, ivory, amber, malachite and jade. Gems are most often made into jewellery but also used for decoration on objects and even as inlay on furniture. So we can describe these as “gem materials” or broadly as “gems”.
What makes something a gem? – Typically a “gem” has the following attributes;
Beauty, durability, rarity, desirability and value
However whilst durability and rarity can be defined by facts, beauty, desirability and value are more subjective. What one person finds beautiful, others may not and when assigning value it depends on whether we mean financial or sentimental or even spiritual value. History, fashion, ethics and cultural tradition can all influence how certain gems are appreciated.
A “gemstone” is usually a gem material that has been “fashioned” and often polished into a specific shape. The word fashioned just means shaped, it includes cutting and faceting which is a specific way of fashioning gem materials into very fine and symmetrical shapes that reflect light and enhance colour. For example opal and amber are usually fashioned (cut and polished only) but harder materials like quartz and diamond and usually cut, faceted and polished.
Conclusion
The words crystals, minerals, rocks, gems, and gemstones have different and specific meanings although they are often used interchangeably, particularly minerals and crystals. However they are most definitely interconnected – amethyst is a mineral (quartz), it forms as crystals, the crystals can be found inside rocks (geodes), it is a gem material and can be fashioned into gemstones.
I hope this was helpful and that next time you are buying crystals, minerals or gems you will be able to form a picture in your mind about the journey that the crystal, mineral or gemstone travelled, over millions of years from forming in the earth, being mined, being fashioned and being transported across the world and finally finding its way to you.
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