The main difference between crystals and gemstones is that gemstones are rare, high-quality minerals, but not all crystals are made of rare, high-quality minerals.
Crystals are a type of solids whose molecules fit together in a repeating pattern, while gemstones are stones or pieces of minerals that have been cut and polished and made into a piece of jewelry or accessory. It’s important to remember that not all crystals are gemstones, but most gemstones are crystals.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Crystals
– Definition, Features, Examples
2. What are Gemstones
– Definition, Features, Examples
3. Difference Between Crystals and Gemstones
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Crystals, Gemstones
What are Crystals
Crystals are a type of solids whose molecules fit together in a repeating pattern. This repeating pattern makes the material form many unique shapes. There are seven main crystal shapes: cubic, trigonal, triclinic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, hexagonal, and monoclinic. Moreover, salt (sodium chloride crystals), diamond (crystal carbon), quartz (silicon dioxide crystals), and snowflakes (water ice crystals) are some examples of crystals.
Crystallization is the method of formation of crystals. In nature, crystals usually form when liquids cool and start to harden. Some molecules in the liquid get together as they try to become stable. This forms a uniform, repeating pattern, forming crystals. Moreover, an example is the cooling of magma. Gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds form this way. Crystals also form when water evaporates from a mixture.
What are Gemstones
Gemstones are stones or pieces of minerals that have been cut and polished and made into a piece of jewelry or accessory. Most gemstones are hard to the touch and are available in a variety of colors and shades. They may look like ordinary rocks in their rough states, but one can observe color and luster after cutting and polishing. In fact, most people prefer gemstones with clear, intense, and saturated primary colors. Gemstones form below the surface of the earth. They may also have traces of other minerals. We call them inclusions. These look like small imperfections or spots within stones. Furthermore, there are a number of ways to create these stones.
In the west, gemstones are traditionally classified into two main categories: precious gemstones and semi-precious gemstones. However, in modern usage, only four gemstones belong to the category of precious stones; they are diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. Other gemstones are semi-precious gemstones. Some examples include garnets, turquoise, quartz, opals, tourmaline, amber, aquamarine, peridot, moonstone, onyx, agate, and malachite. Although the two terms precious and semi-precious indicate a difference in value, the difference between the two is arbitrary. Sometimes a semi-precious stone can be more expensive and valuable than a precious stone. For instance, a tsavorite or green garnet is far more valuable than a mid-quality emerald.
Difference Between Crystals and Gemstones
Definition
Crystals are a type of solids whose molecules fit together in a repeating pattern, while gemstones are stones or pieces of minerals that have been cut and polished and made into a piece of jewelry or accessory.
Nature
Crystals are 3-D (three spatial dimensions) lattices of certain atoms, molecules, and ions, whereas gemstones are rare minerals.
Rare Minerals
Gemstones are rare, high-quality minerals, but not all crystals are made of rare, high-quality minerals.
Examples
Salt (sodium chloride crystals), diamond (crystal carbon), quartz (silicon dioxide crystals), and snowflakes (water ice crystals) are some examples of crystals, while ruby, emerald, diamond, sapphire, opal, onyx, moonstone, and aquamarine are examples of gemstones.
Conclusion
Crystals are a type of solids whose molecules fit together in a repeating pattern, while gemstones are stones or pieces of minerals that have been cut and polished and made into a piece of jewelry or accessory. The main difference between crystals and gemstones is that gemstones are rare, high-quality minerals, but not all crystals are made of rare, high-quality minerals.
Reference:
1. “What is a Crystal?” International Gem Society.
2. “What are Gemstones?” Eternal Tools.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Close-up Shot Of Crystals” by Dids (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Large Topaz Gemstones.” By Michelle Jo – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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