what is the difference between crystals and rocks?
We tend to call everything a crystal and this makes life easy.
However there is a fundamental difference between crystals and rocks, which I will share with you below.
Crystals are a type of mineral that has a specific molecular structure and a repeating pattern of atoms, which gives them their unique properties. Crystals are formed under specific conditions, such as high pressure or high temperature, and can take many different forms, such as pyramids, cubes, or spheres.
In contrast, rocks are composed of one or more minerals, as well as other materials, such as organic matter or volcanic glass. Rocks can be formed from a variety of processes, including cooling and solidification of magma, erosion and sedimentation, and metamorphism.
While crystals can be found in rocks, not all rocks contain crystals. Rocks that do contain crystals are often referred to as "crystalline rocks". Examples of crystalline rocks include granite, which is made up of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica, and basalt, which is composed of minerals such as plagioclase and pyroxene.
In summary, crystals are a type of mineral that have a unique molecular structure and repeating pattern of atoms, while rocks are composed of one or more minerals and other materials. While crystals can be found in rocks, not all rocks contain crystals.
