Crystal Dictionary
Mineral. Gemstone. Crystal. Rock. Shell. Metal.
When interpreting meanings and properties of crystals and minerals, there are a few major factors that help determine the properties of different gemstones. Each stone is unique and within reason, we look towards: Colour, Shape/Structure & the Material it is composed of.
Luckily, as more and more information on these gemstones become known, and more and more crystals are accessible, new gemstones will enter into our lives and many new additions will be added frequently.
The templates for all the crystal write up will follow the same format. Each one will be relatively similar, and based on the information that is currently available.
It is not necessary to purchase any expensive or exotic crystals, unique to your needs. Although some crystals are predominantly good for a certain condition, know that any crystal can be used to access all the other crystals. Any stone can tap into another individual crystals medicine and any crystal can be replaced by Clear Quartz or River Rocks. Individual crystals are a microcosm for the whole mineral kingdom. Try and use the physical crystals you have on your person to access the spiritual properties of any other crystal that you may need although cannot attain.
'The following pages on Crystals were extremely rewarding to create and include the meanings & interpretations from my own personal collection.'
Colour
How colour affects a crystals propertiesThe colour displayed in a crystal is determined by the inclusions of other minerals within the crystal. These minerals change the colour scheme of certain crystals from clear, to any colour in the entire visible spectrum of the rainbow.
Certain colours give us insight into the energy it holds. Colour Therapy teaches that the different colours within the stone will effect the healing properties that stone possesses. Here is a general explanation of the different properties of colour.
- Red- Grounding, Earth connection, Family/Tribal matters, Root Chakra
- Orange- Creativity, Personal Relationships, Finances, Gender, Sacral Chakra
- Yellow- Digestion, Courage, Solar Energy, Power, Solar Plexus Chakra
- Green & Pink- Earth/Faery Connection, Love, Heart Chakra
- Blue- Communication, Speaking/Listening, Singing, Throat Chakra
- Purple- Dreams, Intuition, Psychic connections, Third Eye Chakra
- White/Clear- Holds all Colours, Crown or Soft Spot of the Head, Ultimate Healing, Clarity, Grace, Peace, God/Spirit connection.
- Black/Shadow- Holds all colours, Shields us on all levels, Protection, Shadow, Balancing, Truth, Calms Anger, Deep personal Connection.
Shape, Structure & Crystal Systems
How shape & structure affects a crystals propertiesInterestingly, crystals will grow in 7 specific structures. These structures show us the unit cell of the crystal. A unit cell is the simplest and fundamental repeating cell within a crystal. The smallest portion of a crystals lattice. This is the blueprint of a new crystal, and the outcome of a completely grown crystal. They look one in the same.
A crystal can also be classified as amorphous, which means it grows in random directions not arranged by any specific order. These crystals lack the structure of a crystal lattice and hold no recognizable shape. Examples of this are Rocks like Obsidian and Opal.
Material
How the material of a rock affects its propertiesCrystals vary considerably in their matter make up. Quartz and Feldspar are by far the most common, and many subsections of crystal fall under the quartz category. There are also numerous crystals that are composed of meteorite material either mixed with our Earth (like a Moldavite) or fallen from the sky and a complete mineral unto itself. Elements like Iron and Copper are included in many different gemstones, varying their colour, hardness and safety of the stone.
Some materials are not safe in water, causing chemical reactions and become potentially hazardous.
Crystals vary considerably in their matter make up. Quartz and Feldspar are by far the most common, and many subsections of crystal fall under the quartz category. There are also numerous crystals that are composed of meteorite material either mixed with our Earth (like a Moldavite) or fallen from the sky and a complete mineral unto itself. Elements like Iron and Copper are included in many different gemstones, varying their colour, hardness and safety of the stone.
Some materials are not safe in water, causing chemical reactions and become potentially hazardous.
Quartz Family
Crystals that are composed of QuartzQuartz is the most abundant mineral on Earth. It is used throughout the globe for many simple daily tasks. Beach Sand, Glass, Earths Crust, River Rocks, we need them for our clocks and phones. Almost any electronic device contains a quartz crystal.
Quartz is made up of Silicon Dioxide, and the inclusions of unique minerals during formation account for the variety.
Quartz forms along a hexagonal lattice.
Agate Family
Quartz-ChalcedonyAgate is a common stone with lots of different looks. It is a micro crystalline version of quartz that is technically a chalcedony.
Agate forms along a hexagonal crystal lattice.
Tiger Eye Family
Quartz- CompressedTiger Eye is a luminous version of quartz that has been crumpled. It exhibits Chatoyancy a beautiful shimmer included in this stone.
Tiger Eye forms along a Trigonal Crystal Lattice.
Phosphate Family
mineralThe Phosphate family of crystals are best described as mineral combinations.
Turquoise forms along a Triclinic Crystal Lattice.
Tourmaline Family
complex crystalline silicate mineralPhosphate (mineral) Family. Tourmaline manifests itself in every colour of the rainbow.
Tourmaline Forms along a Hexagonal Crystal Lattice
Zeolite Family
inosilicateThe zeolite family of crystals includes prehnite, Apophyllite and other zeolites.
Prehnite forms along a Orthorhombic (Pyramidal) Crystal Lattice.
