However, in their natural state, they aren't generally considered gems. Crystals can become gemstones if they're appropriately cut and polished. Gemstones are generally a collection of precious and semi-precious stones typically used for ornamental purposes like jewelry. However, the inherent lustre, colour, and transparency can also play a role in whether a stone is considered a crystal. Often, they're classified based on the shape they form in naturally. The molecular structure is inherently highly organized and extends in three dimensions. How Do You Identify Crystals and Gemstones?Ĭrystals are usually identified based on their inherent structure, as well as some physical or chemical properties. Minerals typically have the structural configuration required to be defined as crystals. Instead, it references a material's structure. The term crystal doesn't refer directly to a specific substance. For example, rocks are often aggregates of two or more minerals. Along with forming as crystals, they can be components in a wide array of materials. In many ways, they function as building blocks. Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with distinct chemical compositions. What's the Difference Between Minerals and Crystals? However, if a mineral is part of an aggregated solid, it's usually considered part of a rock, not a crystal. Minerals do naturally form in crystals, so naturally-occurring crystals are often comprised of minerals. As mentioned above, there are many examples of gems that originate from crystals, including topaz, garnet, and many others. Is a Crystal a Gem or a Mineral?Ī crystal isn't inherently a gem not all crystals are, but some can become gemstones. However, that just scratches the surface of the potential crossover between crystals and precious gemstones. Depending on their form, topaz, apatite, feldspar, garnet, and sphene (titanite) can also be crystals or gemstones.įluorite also forms in crystals but may be polished or faceted for use in jewelry, though it's not widely used as a semi-precious stone since its hardness is somewhat low. Quartz and its variants – with examples including ametrine, citrine, prasiolite, rose quartz, smoky quartz, and others – are often crystals that can become gemstones. As mentioned above, amethyst jewelry featuring faceted stones is a prime example of a crystal structure that became a gemstone. Some – but not all – gemstones are made from crystals. However, it can also be a gem if it's faceted or polished for use in jewelry or similar ornamental purposes. In its natural state, amethyst is generally considered a crystal. Another notable difference between gemstone and crystal is that gemstones are usually prepared for use in jewelry, such as by faceting a stone. At the same time, gems are limited to precious and semi-precious stones and may or may not possess the regular geometric patterning. Instead, each of those terms refers to specific stones.Ī key difference between crystals and gemstones is crystals have their inherent regular geometric pattern. In the world of crystals vs gems, the two aren't the same thing. Frequently Asked Questions About Crystals and Gemstones So, Are Crystals and Gemstones the Same Thing? Rocks are naturally occurring solid materials and typically contain multiple minerals that were mixed up during various geological processes. The term "stones" is another broad reference that can refer to gemstones, crystals, minerals, and rocks. Typically, gems are limited to precious and semi-precious stones based on factors like a stone's chemical composition, colour, translucence, and hardness. Gems – also referred to as gemstones – is a broad term that refers to rarer minerals, rocks, or organic materials that are commonly transformed from their raw form to a jewelry-quality state, like a faceted stone or cabochon. Additionally, it's easier to understand how they can crossover. crystals stand apart from one another from a technical perspective. If you want to answer the question, "What's the difference between gems and crystals?" the easiest place to start is by defining the two terms. If you're wondering, "Are crystals and gemstones the same thing?" or "What is the difference between a crystal and a gem?" here's a look at the difference between crystal and gemstone. Understanding how the two stand apart is beneficial when looking at gemstones vs crystals. Additionally, there isn't just one difference between gemstones and crystals there are several. While that may seem harmless, it's important to understand that the genuine meanings of those terms are different. Many people use the terms "gemstone" and "crystal" interchangeably.
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