* In chemistry, mineralogy, and materials science: A crystal is a solid in which the constituent atoms, molecules, or ions are packed in a regularly ordered, repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions. The word crystal originates from the Greek word (krystallos) meaning clear ice, as it was thought to be an especially solid form of water. The word once referred particularly to quartz, or "rock crystal". Most metals encountered in everyday life are polycrystals. Crystals are often symmetrically intergrown to form crystal twins.
* Colorless transparent quartz: A naturally formed three-dimensional structure of the molecules of a substance as it passes to the solid state. She tells fourtunes by gazing in to a crystal ball. Crytalline having to do with crystals. Crytallize form in to crystals; take on crystalline structure.
* While the term "crystal" has a precise meaning within materials science and solid-state physics: Colloquially "crystal" refers to solid objects that exhibit well-defined and often pleasing geometric shapes. In this sense of the word, many types of crystals are found in nature. The shape of these crystals is dependent on the types of molecular bonds between the atoms to determine the structure, as well as on the conditions under which they formed. Snowflakes, diamonds, and common salt are common examples of crystals.
* Some crystalline materials may exhibit special electrical properties: Such as the ferroelectric effect or the piezoelectric effect. Additionally, light passing through a crystal is often refracted or bent in different directions, producing an array of colors; crystal optics is the study of these effects. In periodic dielectric structures a range of unique optical properties can be expected as sawed in photonic crystals.
* Crystallography: Is the scientific study of crystals and crystal formation.
* Since the initial discovery, made in 1982 by Dan Shechtman: The acceptance of the concept and the word quasicrystal have led the International Union of Crystallography to redefine the term crystal to mean 'any solid having an essentially discrete diffraction diagram', thereby shifting the essential attribute of crystallinity from position space to Fourier space. Within the family of crystals one distinguishes between traditional crystals, which are periodic on the atomic scale, and aperiodic crystals which are not. This broader definition adopted in 1996 reflects the current understanding that microscopic periodicity is a sufficient but not a necessary condition for crystallinity.
* Chemistry and crystal structure together define a mineral: In fact, two or more minerals may have the same chemical composition, but differ in crystal structure (these are known as polymorphs). For example, pyrite and marcasite are both iron sulfide, but their arrangement of atoms differs. Similarly, some minerals have different chemical compositions, but the same crystal structure: for example, halite (made from sodium and chlorine), galena (made from lead and sulfur) and periclase (made from magnesium and oxygen) all share the same cubic crystal structure.
* Mineral: A substance such as metal, a precious stone, salt, coal, petroleum, natural gas, calcium, and sulphur, that is minded or quarried from the earth. A Mineral is a naturally occurring substance formed through geological processes that has a characteristic chemical composition, a highly ordered atomic structure and specific physical properties. A rock, by comparison, is an aggregate of minerals and need not have a specific chemical composition. Minerals range in composition from pure elements and simple salts to very complex silicates with thousands of known forms. The study of minerals is called mineralogy. To be classified as a "true" mineral, a substance must be a solid and have a crystalline structure. It must also be a naturally occurring, homogeneous substance with a defined chemical composition. Traditional definitions excluded organically derived material. However, the International Mineralogical Association in 1995 adopted a new definition: a mineral is an element or chemical compound that is normally crystalline and that has been formed as a result of geological processes. The modern classifications include an organic class - in both the new Dana and the Strunz classification schemes.
* There are currently more than 4,000 known minerals: According to the International Mineralogical Association, which is responsible for the approval of and naming of new mineral species found in nature. Of these, perhaps 150 can be called "common," 50 are "occasional," and the rest are "rare" to "extremely rare."
* The chemical composition may vary between end members of a mineral system: For example the plagioclase feldspars comprise a continuous series from sodium-rich albite (NaAlSi3O8) to calcium-rich anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) with four recognized intermediate compositions between. Mineral-like substances that don't strictly meet the definition are sometimes classified as mineraloids. Other natural-occurring substances are nonminerals. Industrial minerals is a market term and refers to commercially valuable mined materials (see also Minerals and Rocks section below).
* Mineralogy: Is the science of minerals an Earth Science focused around the chemistry, crystal structure, and physical (including optical) properties of minerals. Specific studies within mineralogy include the processes of mineral origin and formation, classification of minerals, their geographical distribution, as well as their utilization.
* Materials Science or Materials Engineering: Is an interdisciplinary field involving the properties of matter and its applications to various areas of science and engineering. This science investigates the relationship between the structure of materials and their properties. It includes elements of applied physics and chemistry, as well as chemical, mechanical, civil and electrical engineering. With significant media attention to nanoscience and nanotechnology in the recent years, materials science has been propelled to the forefront at many universities. A gemstone or gem, also called a precious or semi-precious stone, is a piece of attractive mineral, which when cut and polished is used to make jewelry or other adornments. However certain rocks, (such as lapis-lazuli) and organic materials (such as amber or jet) are not minerals, but are still used for jewelry, and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well. Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their lustre or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone. Gemstones are described by gemologists using technical specifications. First, what is its chemical composition. Diamonds for example are made of carbon (C) and rubies of aluminium oxide (Al2O3). Next, many gems are crystals which are classified by their crystal system such as cubic or trigonal or monoclinic. Another term used is habit, the form the gem is usually found in. For example diamonds, which have a cubic crystal system, are often found as octahedrons.
* Gem: A precious or semiprecious stone cut and polished as a jewel; hence, anything highly valued. Gemology or Gemology the study of gems. Gemstone a stone that may be cut and polished as a gem.
* Gems are classified into different groups, species, and varieties: For example, ruby is the red variety of the species corundum, while any other color of corundum is considered sapphire. Emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), bixbite (red), goshenite (colorless), heliodor (yellow), and morganite (pink) are all varieties of the mineral species beryl. Gems have refractive index, dispersion, specific gravity, hardness, cleavage, fracture, and lustre. They may exhibit pleochroism or double refraction. They may have luminescence and a distinctive absorption spectrum. Material or flaws within a stone may be present as inclusions. The gem may occur in certain locations, called the "occurrence."
* Gemstones: Are basically categorized based on of their crystal structure, specific gravity, refractive index, and other optical properties, such as pleochroism. The physical property of "hardness" is defined by the non-linear Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
* Gemologists: Study these factors while valuing or appraising cut and polished gemstones. Gemological microscopic study of the internal structure is used to determine whether a gem is synthetic or natural by revealing natural fluid inclusions, and included partially melted exogenous crystals to demonstrate evidence of heat treatment to enhance colour. The spectroscopic analysis of cut gemstones also allows a gemologist to understand the atomic structure and identify its origin as it is a major factor in valuing a gemstone. For example, a ruby from Burma will have definite internal and optical activity variance as compared to a Thai ruby. When the gemstones are in a rough state, the gemologist studies the external structure; the host rock and mineral association; and natural and polished colour. Initially, the stone is identified by its colour, refractive index, optical character, specific gravity, and examination of internal characteristics under magnification.
* Some Gemologists specialize in various gemstones: Such as diamonds or emeralds. The laboratory gemologists are expert in identification of origin. Recently, the demand for gemological services has grown, as increasing quantities of synthetic gems such as cubic zirconia and synthetic moissanite are manufactured. Gemologists perform such work as the identification of synthetic and natural gemstones, fracture-filled gemstones, and color-enhanced or treated natural gemstones.
* Gemology (gemmology outside the United States): Is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating gemstones. It is considered a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers are academically trained gemologists and are qualified to identify and evaluate gems. With further post-graduate training and experience they can qualify as appraisers (valuers). There are numerous professional schools and associations of gemologists and certification programs all over the world.
* Geology (from Greek: "earth"; and logos, "speech" lit: To talk about the earth): Is the science and study of the solid matter that constitutes the Earth. Encompassing such things as rocks, soil, and gemstones, geology studies the composition, structure, physical properties, history, and the processes that shape Earth's components. It is one of the Earth sciences.
* Geologists have established the age of the Earth at about 4.6 billion (4.6x109) years: and have determined that the Earth's lithosphere, which includes the crust, is fragmented into tectonic plates that move over a rheic upper mantle (asthenosphere) via processes that are collectively referred to as plate tectonics. Geologists help locate and manage the Earth's natural resources, such as petroleum and coal, as well as metals such as iron, copper, and uranium. Additional economic interests include gemstones and many minerals such as asbestos, perlite, mica, phosphates, zeolites, clay, pumice, quartz, and silica, as well as elements such as sulfur, chlorine, and helium.
* The word "Geology" was first used by Jean-Andre Deluc: In the year 1778 and introduced as a fixed term by Horace-Bénédict de Saussure in the year 1779. The science was not included in Encyclopædia Britannica's third edition completed in 1797, but had a lengthy entry in the fourth edition completed by 1809. An older meaning of the word was first used by Richard de Bury to distinguish between earthly and theological jurisprudence.
* In geology, rock is a naturally occurring aggregate of minerals and/or mineraloids: The Earth's lithosphere is made of rock. In general rocks are of three types, namely, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Petrology is the scientific study of rocks.
* Planetary Geology (sometimes known as Astrogeology): Refers to the application of geologic principles to other bodies of the solar system. Specialised terms such as selenology (studies of the moon), areology (of Mars), etc., are also in use. Colloquially, geology is most often used with another noun when indicating extra-Earth bodies (e.g. "the geology of Mars").
* The earliest records of crystal healing come from ancient Egypt: The Ebers papyrus states the medicinal uses of many different gems. Healing with crystals is also recorded in India's Ayurvedic records and in traditional Chinese medicine from around five thousand years ago. Several shamanistic cultures practice crystal healing, including the Inuit of Canada, which was adopted by New Age healers. Various fictional works have used crystals as a focal point for magical spells; an idea probably founded on scrying-gems such as John Dee's shew stone. This, and similar, was used by magicians, fortune-tellers, etc. for one of two purposes; to co-ordinate the visionary power or to misdirect the attention of the customer.
* Gifting: giving back to mother nature: 'Gifting': Is the term used for the distribution of Tactical, practical Orgone field devices, (TB's and HHG's) close to areas of Negativity and high Toxicity. Marine life interference & unnatural Tidal activity have been the cause of Tsunamis and Hurricanes throught the planet, the movement is largely focused on cleaning the seas. This term has been coined since these devices are 'Gifts' from us back to nature.
* Vibrational Medicine: Is based on the premise that human bodies are made up of inter-connecting fields of energy and that when a human body is not well that it is the result of one or more of these fields of energy being unbalanced and that the re-balancing of these energies will help to re-establish a person's good health. Mainstream physics and biology does not accept that these energy fields exist, and therefore vibrational medicine is generally viewed as pseudoscience.
Resources: (MedTerms) - Medical Dictionary definitions of popular medical terms easily defined on MedTerms. (NCCAM) - The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (Wikipedia) - Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia Main article: Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Energy Therapies: (NIH) - National Institutes of Health. (MWD) - Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (IPL) - Internet Public Library: Health & Medical Sciences: (Kofutu's CAM) - Glossary of Spiritual Terms: (Scared Texts) - The Internet Sacred Text Archive:
Amerindea's Free Spells and Rituals - Free magic spells and rituals with gemstones for love, money, protection and much more. http://www.amerindea.com/
Atlantis College, Sound healing and Reiki courses. ATLANTIS COLLEGE offers Distant Learning courses for Crystal & Sound Healing, new Crystal Sonic Rejuvenation (Crystal and Sound Facelift) TM. Courses for Sound Healing, SKHM, Seichem and Reiki. CDs for sale. http://www.atlantiscrystalhealing.com/ 101007
Charms Of Light Healing Gemstone Jewellery - Healing Gemstone Jewellery Reiki enhanced healing gemstone jewellery. Beautiful, unique, handcrafted semi precious gemstone pendants, necklaces, bracelets, bangles and earrings. Chakra jewellery, Wedding jewellery, Birthstone jewellery, Men's jewellery and more. http://www.charmsoflight.com/ 102507
Children of the New Earth - Children of the New Earth Online magazine is a brand new, one-of-a-kind, cutting-edge publication devoted exclusively to the evolving needs of today's new generation of Indigo kids and Crystal children. http://www.childrenofthenewearth.com/
Crystal Healing Vibrations - The ultimate crystal healing information. Crystals of the month, articles on crystals and their healing properties, free monthly newsletter, and so much more. http://www.crystalvibrations.org/ 101707
Crystal Well-Being - Crystal Healing, Chakra Jewellery A site dedicated to Crystal Healing with information about Crystal Healing Nets, Crystal Meditation and the properties of Crystals. Stocks a wide range of unusual healing crystals and crystal jewellery. http://www.crystalwellbeing.co.uk 102507
Exquisite Crystals - On line shop of exquisite Healing Crystals and Minerals. Provides links to metaphysical and alternative healing therapies. On line since 1999! http://www.exquisitecrystals.com/
Healing Crystals Discount Crystal Store Tumbled Stones Quartz Rocks - HealingCrystals.com - Selling High Quality Healing Crystals at Discount Prices;HEALING CRYSTALS - Metaphysical Crystal Shop Your Online Store for Discounts & Wholesale Prices on. http://www.healingcrystals.com/
Gypsy Ribbons: - Bracelets with Meaning ~ Jewelry created to help express and share the emotions we all feel. Good karmic energy abounds here. http://www.gypsyribbons.com/ 102807
Metaphysical products, holistic health products, - chi products. We are committed to bringing you the best metaphysical products, holistic health products, chi products, spirituality kabbalah products to help you on your path. http://www.emerald-energies.com/
Mustika Pearls Bezoar Stones Magick Talismans Amulets Charms - Mustika Pearls Bezoar Stones Magick Talismans Amulets Mustika Pearls Charms Metaphysical Shamanism Occult Spiritual Shamanic Store Mustika Pearls Talismans. http://www.manizone.co.uk/index.php/
Point of Life.com - a journey to enlighten your mind, body, soul, wealth, and happiness. http://www.pointoflife.com/
Rainbow Crystal Shoppe - Purchase clear quartz crystals listing metaphysical properties. Also many other minerals and jewelry available. http://www.rainbowcrystalshoppe.com/
Steppin Out Designs - Offering amazing hand-crafted bracelets of imported, meaningful beads from around the world, and t-shirts with a global message "what would Buddha say?". Promoting compassion and harmony. http://www.steppinoutdesigns.com/index.html/
Superior Crystals: - An online gift shop supplying unique crystal spiritual and metaphysical gifts for all ages. Personally hand selected quality crystal carvings and semi precious stone products. We ship worldwide. http://www.superiorcrystals.com/ 102707
The Gem Tree - An online new age store, specialising in Gems, crystals and minerals, all manner of jewellery and more. Handmade gemstone jewellery available, plus superb Sterling Silver pendants, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Custom jewellery available. Established for 13 years. http://www.thegemtree.com/