Countless treasures are hidden in the depths of our planet. Most precious and semi-precious stones have a smooth surface with clear edges, which give them a certain symmetry. Since the 18th century, such bodies have been called crystals, although the ancient Romans and Greeks applied this term to rock crystal. Literally translated, the word "crystallus" means "frozen." In those days it was believed that it was compacted ice. Robert Boyle debunked this myth, proving that rock crystal is heavier than water, and therefore cannot be frozen water.
What is a crystal
Crystals are solids with atoms arranged in a certain order, forming a three-dimensional periodic spatial arrangement. Externally, such bodies have regular and symmetrical multiple faces.
The first to give a broader concept to the word “crystal” was Kapeller. Although the understanding and law of angle constancy was established by Niels Stensen in 1669.
The modern concept was formed in the International Union of Crystallography, and is interpreted as a body that has a predominantly sharp diffraction shape.
The concept of crystal includes not only diamond and other minerals with a certain structure, but also sugar, even freezing water.
Classification
What types of crystals are there? In the modern world, all crystals are divided into 32 types and grouped into 6 types. Such solids are also divided into:
- natural, that is, extracted from the bowels of the earth;
- artificial, that is, created by human hands (the most striking example is Swarovski crystals).
There are also real and ideal crystals. The latter type has perfect symmetry, without defects. A real crystal necessarily has some kind of defect, that is, irregularities and deformations are observed.
There is a classification that divides crystals at the level of atoms and groups of molecules. In this case, single crystals are isolated, which have a multifaceted shape and do not consist of separate parts. Polycrystals are several single crystals fused together.
What other crystals are there? Precious and non-precious, that is, classified according to aesthetic and economic criteria.
Diamond
The most famous and expensive crystal in the world. Under normal conditions, this mineral can exist forever, but if it is placed in an inert gas or vacuum, it will turn into graphite.
Industrial diamond mining is carried out on all continents. Although their origin and age could not be established. There are even known minerals of extraterrestrial origin that fell to earth, formed during impact metamorphism during the fall of meteorites.
The vast majority of diamonds mined on our planet are yellow or brown. But there are also quite unique ones - green, mauve and blue, even black. The most famous are Porter Rhodes blue and Dresden green. The most valuable are those that have a unique color, especially ruby red, cherry, blue and gold.
In the natural environment, diamonds come in all sorts of shapes: from round and oval to pentagonal.
One of the most expensive is considered to be a red diamond, of which there are only 50 in the world (with perfect clarity). The most expensive weighing 5.11 carats is called “Red Shield”. The name is given by the shape of the crystal; at the beginning of this century it was sold at auction for $8 million.
Who needs a gray talisman?
Gray stones are energetically in tune with water. People whose lives are connected with this element are recommended to wear such jewelry constantly. Minerals have a positive effect on all zodiac signs except Pisces. Stones aggravate their passivity and cause increased sensitivity to stress.
Amulets protect against negative magical effects caused by other stones or people. They minimize the manifestation of negative character traits only with constant, long-term wearing of the amulet. Esotericists believe that gray minerals and rocks calm evil spirits, helping them find peace.
Although gray does not attract attention, it has strong magical and healing effects, and also goes well with any part of its owner's wardrobe. Among rocks, this color is considered common, but for precious stones it is extremely rare. Gray minerals stand out for their simple beauty and also promote confidence and self-esteem.
Aquamarine
What kinds of crystals are very similar to ice? This is aquamarine. The mineral is a type of beryl, and its name translates to “sea water.” The shape of the crystals resembles long-columnar and hexagonal prisms with a strong glass luster. The mineral is very fragile and can be easily crushed.
In jewelry, aquamarine gained popularity only at the beginning of the 20th century, when the art deco style came into fashion. There are deposits of this mineral all over the planet; it is mined from pegmatites, which are located in coarse-grained granites.
The largest mineral was found in 1910, its weight was 110.5 kilograms.
Magical and healing properties of gray stones
Amulets with gray minerals help to cope with suspiciousness, giving confidence. Stones weaken the negative impact of feelings and emotions on the human mind, reducing the power of stress, eliminating aggression. Jewelry with gray crystals improves the perception of information, promotes concentration, and helps in learning and work.
This group of minerals and rocks is distinguished by numerous medicinal properties. They are effective against depression, insomnia, phobias, and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive and urinary systems. They increase the speed of regeneration, normalize pressure and temperature.
Turquoise
What types of crystals are there? Everyone knows the name of this mineral - turquoise or stone of happiness. It has been popular since ancient times.
In form, the mineral is presented in the form of a cryptocrystalline dense mass. The stone contains small round inclusions. The cut shows brown or black veins. The color of the mineral varies from sky blue to faded green.
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Emerald
What other crystals exist in nature? Emerald is a precious mineral from the beryl group and belongs to the first order gems. Large (from 5 carats) and free from defects emeralds are more expensive than diamonds.
The color of the mineral varies from yellowish-green to grassy-greenish, the main condition being the presence of a green tint. Stones mined in South African countries contain an admixture of iron oxide, which is why they have a bluish tint.
One of the most famous in the world is the Devonshire Emerald, its weight is 304 grams. And the most famous in Russia is the “Kokovinsky” emerald, weighing a little more than 400 grams. Mined in the Urals in 1833.
Description and main properties
Minerals painted in gray colors are suitable for people who want to show maturity, calmness, and wisdom. Stones are not considered emotional, that is, they do not evoke strong feelings and do not greatly attract the attention of others.
Often jewelry with such inserts is used for business style clothing, indicating seriousness and busyness. People perceive such jewelry as an indicator of high social status.
It is believed that gray stones have dual energy - dark and light, so some people treat them with distrust. Minerals of this group can highlight both the positive and negative aspects of their owner. Gems protect a person both from external negativity and from one’s own shortcomings.
Gray stones promote relaxation and detachment from everything ordinary.
Rhinestone
What color are the crystals? There are even colorless ones with a glassy sheen, and in this case we are talking about rock crystal. It is pure silicon dioxide, a colorless variety of quartz. The shape of the mineral can be trapezoidal or prismatic.
This group includes several varieties: hairy, rauchtopaz, amethyst, citrine and morion.
The mineral is in demand not only among jewelers, but is also used in radio engineering. Large sizes of natural material are quite expensive. The main thing is not to confuse rock crystal with what is sold in stores. To obtain glass shine when making “crystal” glassware, barium and lead oxide are added to the glass.
Iron colors blue
The shades of aquamarine are influenced by the aluminum, silicon and beryllium oxides that make up it. Potassium, lithium, chromium, vanadium and sodium are not left out. Iron gives the characteristic color of sea water. It is also the cause of fading and tarnishing of the crystal after prolonged exposure to the sun. We'll talk about this in more detail below.
Aquamarine stone lovers appreciate the transparency and purity of the crystal. In jewelry, the mineral goes well with other gems, diamonds, silver, and gold.
Aquamarine crystal looks great as a striking element in fine jewelry masterpieces, no matter what color it shines. It is credited with the ability to cure people of illness and reflect the mood of the owner. There is even a recipe that advises holding aquamarine in moonlight to charge it with the energy of this planet.
The rarest types of crystals
Musgravit. It was discovered about 50 years ago in Australia. To date, only 14 copies have been found. It has a variety of colors: from light yellow and green to violet-purple. One carat of green musgravite costs 6 thousand dollars.
Grandidierite. A very rare crystal with a blue or green tint. A unique feature of the stone is its ability to change color. To date, only 20 minerals have been cut in the world, and accordingly the price for such products is very high - $30,000/1.8 million rubles. for 1 carat.
Tanzanite. What types of crystals are there? A photo of this stone can be seen in the movie Titanic, where it was presented as a blue diamond. The value of the mineral is in its color, which changes depending on the lighting; secondly, to date only one deposit has been found - in Africa, the reserves of which will dry up in 20 years.
Taaffeit. A very rare crystal, the cost per carat ranges from 500 to 20,000 dollars (30,000 - 1.2 million rubles). Today there are only 4 deposits: in Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Russia (Eastern Siberia and Karelia). The color of the stone varies from pale pink to lavender.
Mentions in literature
Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov in his autobiographical book “Other Shores” - Behind a long series of rolling, narrow blue corridors dodging feet, the elegant columns in the wide-window dining car, with white cones of folded napkins and aquamarine bottles of mineral water, at first seemed like a cool and persistent refuge ...
Ivan Alekseevich Bunin (Galya Ganskaya) - The face under a gray hat is half covered with an ashen veil, and aquamarine eyes shine through it.
Artificial crystals
Perhaps the most famous and expensive stones of artificial origin are sold under the Swarovski brand. Today the company has a wide range of products, represented by more than 100 thousand items. Crystals from this manufacturer are used not only to encrust jewelry, but also to decorate wardrobe items, shoes and interiors.
What types of Swarovski crystals are there? According to the manufacturer’s line, most of the crystals are presented in the form of cones, the inner edges of which maximize the brightness, brilliance and color of the stone. The company offers the widest palette of colors; almost all colors are presented in their pure form, some have a satin or iridescent effect.
In second place in terms of polarity are Preciosa crystals (Czech Republic). They are not inferior in quality, color and shape to Swarovski. They make the most beautiful jewelry.
Korean crystals are somewhat inferior to the previous two, since only two faces are subjected to mechanical grinding - the bottom and the top, the rest are formed during the glass casting process. The color palette is not very wide, but the basic colors are present.
Chinese-made crystals are also available on the market. They are not expensive, but their quality is quite low, the main material is not highly transparent.
