ARTICLES: What is the difference between a crystal and a gemstone

What is the difference between a crystal and a gemstone
 

 

 

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What is the difference between a crystal and a gemstone?

 

In the world of alternative healing, there are two words that are commonly used and have been tossed about interchangeably – gemstones and crystals. Though one may use people use these terms with regard to healing, the two are very different. Just to understand how –

A gemstone by definition is called a ‘gemstone’ because it is

a)   Beautiful

b)   Rare

c)   Durable

It has to have these three attributes to qualify and be categorised as a gemstone. A gemstone is cut, faceted and polished to be set in jewelry or to decorate or accentuate the luxury quotient of any product. For instance, the multitude of gemstones used in this Bvlgari watch not just justify its notional value but actually add real value to it aside of making it a striking piece. 

However, quite differently, the word crystal refers to a pure solid substance that has an orderly repeating arrangement of atoms and molecules in the three spatial dimensions.

A crystal is not a gemstone. Take for instance, rock salt or common sugar crystals. While they are both crystals, they are not by the farthest stretch of the imagination close to being gemstones! Neither are they rare nor are they durable. They are simply crystals with orderly pattern of constituent atoms and molecules.

Crystallized Rock Salt

Crystallized Rock Salt is not a Gemstone

Amethyst Geode

Amethyst Geode

Crystals like rose quartz, amethyst, citrine, agate, tiger eye etc. are used by mystics for energy healing. Stronger, pure gemstones are also used in gem therapy by individuals for achievement of personal well-being as well as material and spiritual objectives in life.

Ruby is a Gemstone

Ruby is a Gemstone

Some ‘crystalline’ minerals, viz. Rubies, sapphires etc. that are durable as well as rare along with being beautiful may be termed as gemstones. However, not all gemstones are crystals either. Gemstones of organic origin – Amber, Jet, Coral, Turquoise, Pearl – are not crystals at all. Neither are some gemstones like Lapiz Lazuli or Sunstone which are certain types of rocks!

amber is not considered as a crystal

Amber is not a crystal

Gemstones are more precious and expensive than crystals.

Interestingly, the word crystal was derived from the Geek word ‘kyrstallos’, ascribed by the ancients to clear quartz. They thought that clear quartz was ice that had been eternally frozen off by the Gods!

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Clicking on Underlined Links will give more information about a topic. You can always come back to this page

What Problems Can Astrology & Jyotish Gemstones Solve? Can they solve My Unique problems

Which is the Best Gemstone Choosing Method | Which Gemstone Should I wear

 Do Gems Work- No They Don’t for 90% of the People-Why?.

What results Can I expect from Jyotish Gemstones?

In Quest of India’s Best Gemstone Astrologer.

Tell me My Best Life Changing Gemstone