There is a lot of confusion online about the difference between crystal and crystalline. Many people use the two words interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two. In this blog post, we will clear up the confusion and explain the distinctions between these two terms. Stay tuned!
What is Crystal?
A crystal is a type of solid in which the atoms or molecules are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating three-dimensional pattern. The word “crystal” comes from the Greek word for ice, as early crystals were thought to be frozen water. Crystals are found in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and they can be either natural or man-made. Natural crystals are created by geological processes, while man-made crystals are produced using a process called crystallization.
Crystal solids are often translucent or transparent, and they can have a variety of different colors. Crystal solids are sometimes used in jewelry or other decorative applications because of their beauty and shine. Crystal solids are also used in electronic devices such as computers and cell phones because of their ability to conduct electricity. Crystal solids have many other uses as well, including lasers, optical fiber, and X-ray machines.
What is Crystalline?
Crystalline solids are those in which the atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in a repeating three-dimensional pattern. This arrangement gives rise to regularities in the properties of crystalline solids. For example, most salts have a crystalline structure and tend to be insoluble in water. Crystalline solids also have a distinctive melting point; that is, the temperature at which they change from a solid to a liquid state.
When a crystalline solid melts, the orderly arrangement of its particles is disrupted, and the solid changes to a disordered liquid state. Metals generally have a crystalline structure and are good conductors of heat and electricity. Crystals can range in size from a Single atom to something as large as a mountain! The study of crystals and their properties is known as Crystallography.
Difference between Crystal and Crystalline
Crystal and crystalline refer to two different types of solids. Crystal refers to a solid in which the molecules are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern. In contrast, crystalline refers to a solid in which the molecules are not arranged in a regular pattern. Crystal and crystalline solids can be distinguished from each other by their physical properties. For example, crystals tend to be harder and have a higher melting point than crystalline solids. Crystal structures also tend to be more symmetrical than those of crystalline solids. Finally, crystals typically have a higher level of electrical conductivity than crystalline solids.
Conclusion
The terms “crystal” and “crystalline” are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. A crystal is solid with a well-defined geometric shape that is formed by the natural cooling of a liquid. Crystalline, on the other hand, refers to something that is made from crystals or has the properties of crystals. When it comes to gemstones, for example, a diamond is crystalline while amethyst is a crystal. So next time you’re shopping for gems or jewelry, be sure to ask your jeweler whether they are selling crystals or crystalline stones!
