[Geography Notes] on Rock Crystal Pdf for Exam

The Earth’s crust consists of eight major elements, oxygen, silicon, aluminium, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium. These are actually the components that make up most of the minerals. Around 90% of the Earth’s crust was composed of over 1,000 silicate minerals. The most prevalent silicate minerals in the earth’s crust are quartz. Rock Crystals weighing many tons have been found in many places. Rock Crystal is used for costume jewellery and delicate bowls and to imitate diamonds.

Crystals 

A crystal, also known as a crystalline solid, is a solid material whose components (atoms, molecules, or ions) are arranged in a closely ordered microscopic arrangement to form a crystal lattice. Crystals are a kind of solid material in which the molecules are arranged in a regular pattern. This pattern allows the substance to take on a variety of different forms. Rock crystal bonds earth and water radiation into positive energy. It cleanses the mind and soul. It also helps to dissolve energy blockages. Anyone wearing rock crystal is helped to make just, clear decisions.

Quartz

Quartz is a crystalline mineral made up of silicon and oxygen atoms that is rigid and brittle. It is composed of silicon dioxide, is a chemical compound made up of one part silicon and two parts oxygen, each oxygen atom is exchanged by two tetrahedra, giving SiO2 as the overall chemical formula. 

Formation of Crystals

The formation of crystals is known as crystallization. Crystals are formed as liquids cool and begin to harden in nature. When they try to become solid, certain molecules in the liquid congregate. This is done in a consistent and repeating sequence, resulting in the formation of crystals. As molten lava, also known as magma, cools underneath the Earth’s crust, the minerals contained within it tend to crystallize.  

Rock Crystal Quartz

Rock crystals belong to the quartz family. It is a transparent colourless variety of quartz. Rock crystal quartz forms due to the condensation of magma or lava beneath the earth’s surface, through the process of crystallization. They are used as a part to make glass and optical instruments. Quartz was used in painting and sculpture in ancient history. Quartz is mostly used in electronic applications such as mobile and navigation devices as it has electrical features and heat resistance capacity. Egyptians used quartz sand crystals to produce glass. Old artists regarded glass as a precious material, as it was rare and hard to construct.

It’s also known as the mountain crystal or Alaska gem.

Rock Crystal Stone

The quartz family includes rock crystal stone. It is colourless quartz made mostly of silicon dioxide. It is available in different forms such as colourless crystals, colourful crystals, smoky crystals, as well as microscopic and transparent forms. It combines the functions of a receiver, transmitter, and amplifier. The energy within oneself is amplified, transformed, stored, and transmitted by the rock crystal block. The rock crystal stone is ideal for clairvoyance and creativity. It also helps you to easily achieve high levels of meditation. Rock crystal can assist with energy blockages by stabilizing and harmonizing the etheric body as well as the body’s vibration rate. This stone can be used for any mineral, no matter what colour or properties they have. It amplifies its forces and energies by using its light and purity. It follows the aura and purifies it.

Different Types of Quartz Rocks

After feldspar, quartz is the second most common mineral in the Earth’s crust. About all acid igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks contain it. Quartz comes in a variety of colours and shapes, some of which are semi-precious gemstones. Quartz has been the most widely used mineral in the creation of jewellery and hardstone carvings since antiquity, especially in Europe and the Middle East. Some of the varieties are mentioned below:

1. Onyx Agate 

This type of quartz has straight bands, parallel and these are consistent in size.

2. Agate 

Semi-translucent to translucent multi-coloured banded chalcedony. While agates can be found in a variety of rocks, they are most commonly associated with volcanic rocks.

3. Jasper 

It is a character in the film Jasper Cryptocrystalline quartz that is opaque and usually red to brown in colour. Iron (III) inclusions are responsible for the famous red colour. 

4. Aventurine

It is a type of mineral that is found in the sea. Translucent chalcedony with minimal shimmering inclusions (usually mica). Green aventurine is the most common colour, but it may also be orange, brown, yellow, blue, or grey. 

Conclusion

Quartz has been used throughout history in art and sculpture. It has its own history and discovery. Varieties of crystals are mentioned above with their composition.