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Minerals Defined
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid that has a specific chemical composition and characteristic structure, color and hardness. Many minerals are found in mixtures, such as granite, which is a mixture of quartz, feldspar and mica. Minerals can only be identified absolutely with x-ray or chemical tests that determine structure and composition, but there are tests that can be conducted at home to identify minerals. These tests include color, luster, transparency, fracture, hardness, specific gravity, streak and locality.
Crystals Defined
A crystal is a type of mineral that possesses an orderly repetitive internal pattern of atoms. Many crystals in their natural state are colorless, but impurities react with light to cause a wide range of colors. Crystals grow rapidly in water containing a high concentration of dissolved minerals, but they also grow in melted rock or vapor. Shape is determined by temperature and pressure exerted on the growing conditions.
Types and Uses of Minerals
The most abundant mineral in the earth's crust is aluminum, derived from bauxite. Aluminum is used for building and transportation. Coal is a mineral used for the manufacture of energy; half of the electrical energy in the United States is derived from coal. Copper is used for the production of cables and wires and has applications in building projects. Feldspar is used extensively in the glass and ceramic field and gold is used in medicine, dentistry and jewelry. Other common minerals include gypsum, halite, iron ore, lead, limestone, mica, lithium and nickel. Trace element minerals such as iron, calcium and manganese are essential for human nutrition.
Types and Uses of Crystals
Amethyst, a form of quartz, gets its notorious purple color from the presence of manganese, but according to Greek myth, Amethyst was a maiden who incurred the wrath of Dionysius and was saved by Diana when she turned her into a clear stone. Dionysius felt remorseful and poured wine over the stone turning it purple.
Many people use amethyst to ward off hangovers. Citrine is said to promote optimism and health, tiger's eye is useful for attainment of understanding and sapphires are supposed to assist with communication skills. Because of their mythic and beautiful nature, crystals are most prized for healing, religious and artistic purposes.
Make Your Own Crystals
To produce crystals cheaply and simply, grow them on a string. You'll need 3 tsp. of baking soda, half a cup of water, a hot plate, 5 to 6 inches of sting, a small weight and a clear vial. Pour the water into a pan and dissolve the baking soda one teaspoon at a time. Heat it, but do not boil it. Remove the pan from the heat and add baking soda until the solution is saturated. Cool and pour into the vial. Place the string, weight end down, into the vial. As the water evaporates, crystals will appear.