Crystals

As far as the chemical and mineral analysis of crystal is concerned, it is a solid, which holds its constituents in a tightly packed fashion (these constituents comprise of a diverse variety, which includes atoms, molecules or ions). Besides being tightly packed, the arrangement of the constituents of crystal is organized and regular. This regularity is pronouned by the repetition of a pattern, which extends in all three spatial dimesnions.

As for the literary interpretation of the word ‘crystal’, the origin of this very word is a direct derivation from a word of the Greek language ‘Krystallos’. The meaning of this word refers to clear ice. The reason why crystal was named after Krystallos was because the initial concept about crystal circled around the myth that crystal was a solid form of water. Even most of the members of the metal family, which are part of everyday life are polycrystals. On a frequent basis, it happens so that crystals are intergrown in a symmetric way to form crystal twins. Basically the structural formation of a crystal depends upon three factors. First and foremost, the chemistry of the fluid plays a great role in determining the shape and type of the crystal. Secondly the conditions under which the crystal is solidified also plays an important part in deciding the structure of the crystal. Lastly it is the ambient pressure, which goes a long way in structuring the crystal form and shape. The entire process through which a crystal comes into being is referred to as crystallization. The conclusion of this very procedure takes place when the resulting crystal is cooled off, sometimes in a crystalline state, sometimes in a non-crystalline state. Often it depends upon the conditions under which the formation of the crystal took place.

As crystal refers to rock solid materials when studied from a scientific perspective, it has other interpretations too. Basically a crystal could be classified as an object, which is solid in shape and definite in form, pronouncing a delightful geometric appearance. If one cares to look over crystals from this point of view, there are many objects present in nature, which could easily qualify as crystals. Some examples of these crystals are snowflakes, diamonds as well as common salt (which is chemically referred to as Sodium choloride).

However there is a substance, which comes under the classification of crystals, something, which has an addictive nature. This substance is called crystal meth or crystal methamphetamine. As far as structure of crystal meth is concerned, it is colorless and does not have any smell either. Quite a powerful stimulant in terms of physical addiction, making crystal meth is basically an artificial process and is infamous for the harmful long-term effects, which result from the usage of this substance. Crystal meth also comes in a powdered form, which is less harmful than the solid form. It is usually smoked with the help of glass pipes, which are similar to those pipes, which are used by cocaine addicts. Also crystal meth could be taken through injection. Normally people who use crystal meth go through the experience of intense sensations after smoking a crystal meth, which is followed by a high that lasts about twelve hours and sometimes even more than that. Another substance, which comes under the category of crystals is a crystal ball. In the case of a crystal ball, it is a crystal or glass ball device, which is believed to have a strong divine presence specifically in the ancient times. It was assumed to provide support in telling the fortune and the future and was often referred to as a shew stone.

Overall, crystals have a diverse variety and their importance both in the scientific regard as well as in the spiritual dimension could not be ignored.