What is a Crystal and How is it Formed?

Eva Vestmann

Crystals form deep in the Earth when substances that dissolve in water, or exist in liquid form, begin to cool and solidify – or when they are exposed to intense heat and pressure. As these substances cool down, their molecules arrange themselves into specific, orderly patterns, forming crystals.

This process can occur in various places beneath the Earth's surface, such as deep within rocks, in crevices, or even in glacial waters. Different types of crystals form depending on their chemical composition and how they are created.

 

Processes Leading to Crystal Formation:

  • Cooling from Magma: When liquid rock (magma) cools beneath the Earth's surface, minerals and crystals form and settle within the rock.
  • High Heat and Pressure: In the Earth's deepest layers, where pressure and temperature are extremely high, minerals can transform into new minerals, forming crystals.
  • Chemical Reactions: When water dissolves minerals from rocks, it can undergo new chemical reactions and form new crystals as it cools or comes into contact with other elements.

Geometric Forms

Geometric Forms

Crystals have a specific internal structure that can be highly regular, forming distinct shapes or geometric patterns. Each crystal is created based on how atoms, ions, or molecules arrange themselves under varying pressure and temperature conditions. Crystals are classified into seven basic groups based on their structural forms, each with unique properties:

Hexagonal - Properties: High frequency, promoting energy balance.
Orthorhombic - Properties: Provides cleansing energy.
Cubic - Properties: Offers strong grounding energy.
Tetragonal - Properties: Absorbs and transforms surrounding energy, bringing balance.
Triclinic - Properties: Weaves energy together and aids in connecting to other dimensions.
Trigonal - Properties: Provides rejuvenating and protective energy.
Monoclinic - Properties: Brings purification and heightened perception..

Amorphous Crystals:
The eighth category would be amorphous or formless crystals, which lack an internal structure and allow energy to flow freely through them, serving as catalysts for growth.


Crystal Shapes

Crystal Shapes and Meanings

Crystal Points are often used in meditation as they help focus and direct energy.

Double Terminated have the ability to channel energy in both directions, making them useful for balancing and harmonising energies.

Generator shape will generate and amplify energy, perfect for setting intentions and manifesting your desires.

Twin symbolise unity and harmony, helping to enhance relationships. Twin formations are used to promote cooperation and understanding, both within oneself and with others.

Clusters are excellent for amplifying the energies of other individual crystals, making them ideal for group settings and in meditation spaces.

Rainbow formations promote joy and optimism. Associated with healing and bringing emotional balance.

Phantoms symbolise growth and transformation, offering guidance for spiritual development.

Window formations act as a window into the soul, allowing for introspection but can also be used to receive messages from spirit guides.

Inclusions intensify the vibrational energy of the crystal.

Geodes are often used for protection and grounding. The inner crystal lining emits a gentle, steady energy that brings a sense of calm and peace.

 

Hardness Measurement

The Mohs scale measures the hardness of minerals by comparing them to other substances with defined hardness levels, where a higher-numbered material can scratch a lower-numbered one. The scale ranges from 1 (very soft, like talc) to 10 (very hard, like diamond). It was developed by Friedrich Mohs in 1812.

Here are the ten levels with corresponding minerals:

  1. Talc: Softest crystal (can be easily scratched with a fingernail).
  2. Gypsum: Soft (can be scratched with a fingernail).
  3. Calcite: Can be scratched with a fingernail.
  4. Fluorite: Easily scratched but harder than gypsum.
  5. Apatite: Difficult to scratch with a fingernail after level 4.5.
  6. Orthoclase: Medium hardness, harder to scratch with tools.
  7. Quartz: Common, not easily scratched or broken.
  8. Topaz: Harder than quartz.
  9. Corundum: Extremely hard, difficult to scratch.
  10. Diamond: Hardest substance on Earth, ranking the highest on the Mohs scale.


Man-Made Crystals

Man-made crystals are produced through chemical processes that mimic natural crystal formation. Chemically, they are very similar to natural crystals since both are made of the same materials. For instance, synthetic diamonds are made from the same carbon as natural diamonds. The primary differences are as follows:

 

Internal Properties:

  • Natural crystals often have irregular patterns, colour variations, or impurities that develop as they grow over long periods.
  • Man-made crystals are often purer and more uniform due to controlled production processes.

 

Shape and Size:

  • Man-made crystals are often produced in larger or more regular shapes, as production can be controlled to ensure specific characteristics.
  • Natural crystals grow irregularly and take on unique shapes.

 

Types:

  • Man-made crystals often imitate natural crystals for use in jewellery. The most common types are diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Other synthetic types include Cherry Quartz, Opalite, and Goldstone.

 

Price:

  • Man-made crystals are generally cheaper than natural ones since they do not rely on slow, natural growth processes.

 

Man-made crystals can be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, but they do lack the healing energy of natural crystals.



Treated Crystals

Many crystals undergo heat treatments to enhance or intensify their colour. Such treatments are used to make them more visually appealing but are generally believed not to affect the crystal's energy or frequency.

Some commonly heat-treated crystals include Amethyst, Citrine, Ametrine, Aquamarine, Topaz, Tanzanite, Rainbow Fluorite, and Rainbow Obsidian.

Certain crystals are also coated to give them a glossy or shimmering appearance. These are particularly well-known: Aura Quartz, Aqua Aura Quartz, Tangerine Quartz, Fire Agate, and Peacock Ore, a Bornite stone coated with metal oxides.


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