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Crystal
The word “crystal” can be used to describe both something from nature or something man-made. Ideally, a crystal is a geometric arrangement of molecules. Salt, for instance, is a crystal that you can eat.
In the gem industry, the name “Crystal” usually refers to clear quartz and its derivatives. It can also refer to manmade glass gems like Austrian Lead Crystal and Chinese Crystal.
In metaphysics, a whole host of rocks are referred to as crystals, although “crystal” is not often used as a specific name, but as a general one.
Natural crystal is formed of silica, which forms in various sized “points”. Gem quartz is usually most desirable when it is clear, although quartz with inclusions (such as chlorite, or needles of tourmaline or rutile) can be highly prized as these “imperfections” make the stone more interesting.
Man-made crystal is also made of silica that has been melted down and re-formed into glass. However, to be considered ‘crystal’ it must contain a certain percentage of lead in the glass. Lead causes the glass to sparkle more when cut.
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