t h lesson two e crystallography
TRANSCRIPT
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LESSON TWO
Crystallography
What is a crystal? What is a gemstone?
Figure L2.1 Figure L2.2 Quartz Crystals Typical Gemstones
Crystal: A crystal is a solid substance in which the atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in an orderly repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions. The word crystal is a loan from the ancient Greek word (krustallos), which had the same meaning. However, to the understanding of the ancient Greeks, "crystal" meant anything congealed by freezing, for example ice. The word once specifically referred to quartz, or "rock crystal".
Gemstone: A gemstone or gem, also called a precious or semi-precious stone, is a piece of attractive mineral, which when cut and polished, is usually used to make jewellery or other adornments. However, certain rocks, (such as lapis-lazuli) and organic materials (such as amber or jet) are not minerals and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well.
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Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used because of their lustre or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends desirability to a gemstone. Formation of Crystals
Crystals can form in many different ways. Almost all of the solidified part of the earth is formed from crystals. Generally, the crystals have grown in a way that they are crowded together and show no external faces. Crystals grow when the solubility of elements in a liquid phase is exceeded and they need to transform into a solid, or the energy needed to keep them in liquid form is not sufficient. A crystal can form from a vapour. Sulphur can condense from a vapour and form crystals in the fumarole vents of volcanoes. A more common example, for those of us in colder climates, is the formation of frost on a window pane. In this case, the ability of the air to hold onto its water vapour is exceeded with the result that ice crystals grow on the window pane. Crystals can also grow from solutions of ions in a fluid such as water. Some sedimentary rocks are formed entirely by this process (they are termed evaporites). Salt will also crystallize out of solutions when evaporation of the water saturates sodium and chloride ions in the water. When magma, which is molten rock cools, then crystals form as the magma solidifies. Certain minerals will form at various temperatures as the magma cools. Crystals can also grow at the expense of earlier formed crystals. The silver sulphide argentite is stable at high temperatures. As the temperature is lowered, there is a transformation to the mineral acanthite. There is no change in the chemical composition of the material, but the arrangement of the atoms is changed. Pressure changes can also change the crystallography of the minerals without any changes in the chemistry. Structures of Crystals
An ideal crystal is constructed by the infinite repetition of identical structural units. In the simplest crystals, the structural unit is a single atom, as in copper, silver, gold, iron, aluminium, and the alkali metals.
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Figure L2.3
The structure of all crystals can be described in terms of a lattice, with a group of atoms attached to every lattice point. The group of atoms is called the basis; when repeated it forms the crystal structure. The basis consists of a primitive cell, containing one single lattice point. Arranging one cell at each lattice point will fill up the entire crystal. In Figure L2.3 the difference at the atomic level between a typical crystal and glass can be seen. The crystal lattice is ordered with an extremely high degree of repeatability and organisation whereas the structure of glass is nowhere near as coherently structured.
Figure L2.4
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Minerals grow in specific shapes and usually crystallize into one of seven crystal systems. It is the axes of the crystal, the angles at which the axes intersect, and the degree of symmetry that define each crystal system.
Referring to Figure L2.4:
• Cubic - Also called the isometric crystal system. Crystals are usually shaped like blocks, with similar and symmetrical faces. The crystal has three axes of symmetry, all at right angles to each other, and all of the same length. Example: pyrite.
• Tetragonal - Typically, the crystals are shaped like four-sided prisms and pyramids. Each crystal has three axes, all perpendicular to one another. Two axes are the same length and lie on a horizontal plane. The third axis is not the same length and is at a right angle to the other two. Example: zircon.
• Orthorhombic - These crystals are short and stubby. Each crystal has three unequal axes, all at right angles to one another. Example: topaz
• Monoclinic - Crystals are short and stubby with tilted faces at each end. Each crystal has three unequal axes. Two axes lie in the same plane at right angles to each other. The third axis is inclined. Example: gypsum.
• Triclinic - All three axes are of different lengths and inclined towards each other and have a 'triclinic' inner structure, meaning 'three inclined angles'. Example: turquoise.
• Hexagonal - These crystals are usually shaped like six-sided prisms or pyramids. Each crystal has four axes of symmetry. Three lie in the same plane, are the same length, and intersect at 120° angles. The fourth axis is not the same length, and is perpendicular to other three. Example: beryl.
• Trigonal - Crystals are usually flat with sharp edges, but exhibit no right angles. Each crystal has three unequal axes. None are perpendicular to one another. Example: feldspar.
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The Crystals used in Healing
For Working with the Chakras The physical body has 7 major Chakra centres. It is through these seven Chakras that one transmits and receives physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. The chakras are manifested in one's physical state. The ideal state is to have all chakra centres clear, balanced, and vitalized for optimal well-being.
The chakra system goes back to ancient eastern teachings. Each chakra is associated with a particular area of the body and with a colour of the spectrum. Stones are placed at chakra centres for clearing, revitalizing, and healing. As a general principle, the selection of stones should correspond with the associated colour of the chakra. [NOTE: If you are not particularly familiar with the Chakras do not worry because they are covered in some detail later in the course.]
CHAKRA CENTER ASSOCIATED COLOUR STONES
1st Chakra Base, Root
Location: at the base of the spine
Red, black
Black Obsidian
Black Tourmaline
Haematite
Garnet
Red Zincite
Smoky Quartz
2nd Chakra Sacral
Location: below
the navel
Orange, blue-green
Orange Calcite
Vanadinite
Orange Carnelian
Blue-green Turquoise
Blue-green Fluorite
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3rd Chakra Solar Plexus
Location: at solar
plexus, below breastbone
Yellow
Natural Citrine
Yellow Jasper
Golden Calcite
4th Chakra Heart
Location: in the
centre of the chest
Pink, green
Rose Quartz
Pink/Rubellite Tourmaline
Watermelon Tourmaline
Green Aventurine
Malachite
Jade
5th Chakra Throat
Location: at the neck
above collar bone
Blue
Sodalite
Blue Calcite
Blue Kyanite
Angelite
Blue Turquoise 6th Chakra
Brow
Location: centred above eyebrows, at
3rd eye
Indigo
Lapis Lazuli
Azurite
Sugilite
7th Chakra Crown
Located: at the top
of the head
Violet, golden-white
Amethyst
White Calcite
WhiteTopaz
Preferred stones for each chakra given in bold, underlined type.
Table L2 .1
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Crystals and Colour
Figure L2.5
You will note that the stones given for each chakra are those stones that have the colour of that chakra. This means that the colour frequency of the chakra is matched by the colour frequency of the stone. The stone and the chakra are thus in harmonic resonance.
For Other Healing
There are literally hundreds of crystals and minerals available for use in healing. Consequently it would be unrealistic to commence crystal healing by purchasing a vast (and very expensive!) set of crystals.
The following list is what might be considered as a general set with which to commence healing practice, in addition to the stones for chakras in Figure L2.5.
• Clear Quartz • Kyanite • Selenite • Seraphinite • Sugilite • Smoky Quartz • Rhodochrosite
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• Larimar • Lepidolite • Calcite
[NOTE: There are many other stones that one could add to this list as skills are developed. It is advisable to commence with a basic set until you have developed experience and can determine which direction your practice is going. The additional stones are: Amber, Apophyllite, Aquamarine, Black Tourmaline, Celestite, Charoite, Chrysocolla, Fluorite, Garnet, Haematite, Lapis lazuli, Labradorite, Malachite, Mangano Calcite, Obsidian, Peridot, Pyrite, Rutilated Quartz, Rose Quartz, Ruby in Fuchsite, Sunstone, Tanzanite, Tigers Eye, Tourmaline, and Turquoise.] Mohs' Scale of Hardness
The Mohs' hardness scale was developed in 1822 by Frederich Mohs. This scale is a chart of the relative hardness of various minerals. Mohs' scale runs from 1 to 10 where 1 is the softest and 10 is the hardest. Hardness depends upon the crystallographic direction (ultimately on the strength of the bonds between atoms in a crystal), so there can be variations in hardness depending upon the direction in which one measures this property. One of the most striking examples of this is kyanite, which has a hardness of 5.5 parallel to one particular axis, whereas it has a hardness of 7.0 parallel to another axis. Diamonds which have a hardness of 10 also show a variation in hardness; the octahedral faces are harder than the cube faces. Mohs' hardness is a measure of the relative hardness and the resistance to scratching between minerals.
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Moh's Hardness Table
Mineral Hardness Image
Talc 1
Carnelian 6
Gypsum 2
Black
Tourmaline
7
Calcite 3
Topaz 8
Fluorite 4
Corundum 9
Apatite 5
Diamond
10
Hardness of some typical stones
Table L2.2
Mohs' scale of hardness is of great value to a crystal healer because it provides an excellent measure of the "scratchability" of each of one's crystals. The harder
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the crystal the more likely it is to maintain its lustre whereas soft crystal can be easily scratched and damaged by constant use (or by one's car keys.)
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It is also an indication of how you can safely cleanse the crystals. Generally, any crystal that has a Mohs' Scale rating of 6 or higher can safely be cleaned in water. Quartz Crystal (Sometimes called "Rock Crystal")
Figure L2.6
When the term crystal is used, it means that it is clear quartz crystal that is being referred to. As we have already noted, crystal has a balanced structure and piezo-electric properties, making it the perfect stone for healing. Generally the best crystals to be used for the expansion of awareness are natural unpolished colourless quartz. Clear Quartz is also known as the master stone because it is considered the most versatile of all crystals and thus may be used as a multi-purpose healing stone. Quartz resonates with the frequencies of the silica in our body. This helps to energize, harmonize and balance the energies of the body and to promote and restore our well being on all levels. Without quartz, there would be no computers, no electronic office equipment, and no other quartz-using electronic devices on which the modern world depends. Crystals can be described as living computers. They absorb, store and send out energy.
Quartz crystal structure is made up of one atom of silicon to two oxygen atoms. These combine to form silicon dioxide. The quartz group of minerals goes to make up about twelve per cent of the earth's crust. The quartz family can be divided up into several groups.
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Macrocrystalline Quartz
This grows in veins that are partially filled with silica. Under favourable conditions, clear quartz crystal, smoky or amethyst quartz can grow to several hundred pounds. This group of quartz, with the exception of rose quartz normally has a six-sided form ending in a termination point. On rare occasions, one can find a clear quartz crystal with two termination points, one at each end. This is called a double terminator. Instead of the crystal growing upwards or downwards, the crystal grows sideward’s, usually in clay beds, allowing termination points to be formed at both ends. This type of crystal has very strong healing powers as they can draw in and hold and release energy at both ends.
Macrocrystalline quartz can be divided up as follows:
• Amethyst: pale violet to deep purple • Clear quartz: called rock, mountain or clear crystal • Citrine: clear yellow, golden yellow • Rose quartz: pink • Black tourmalinated quartz: clear quartz with inclusions of black
tourmaline • Rutiliated quartz: clear, brown or smoky grey quartz with needle-
like inclusions of rutile The rock crystal, or mountain crystal, is the highest expression of the mineral kingdom. It is the symbol of radiant white light energy. It symbolises perfection with the universal structure of the triangle, spiralling to completion. It is said to 'mirror the soul', and represents the struggle for clarity. A crystal is not static. It is growing and changing and interacting with its environment. The shape of the crystal is based on the triangle. The triangle represents the universal building block from which all geometric forms are derived. The quartz crystal forms a tetrahedron, an equilateral triangle with three sides. The base and all angles each measuring 60 degrees. A crystal grows by the tetrahedron formation, repeating itself in an open left or right spiral within the body of the crystal.
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Quartz crystals lack mirror symmetry. The mirror image of a quartz crystal is different from the crystal's original image. It does not matter at all where the mirror plane lies. Instead, quartz crystals show handedness: there are two types of crystals, left-handed and right-handed crystals. You will note that it is very well possible to find 3 mirror planes in a crystal that give perfectly identical mirror images. However, this mirror symmetry is only an apparent one because the internal molecular structure of a quartz crystal cannot be mirrored:. This is because the atoms in a quartz crystal are arranged in parallel, corkscrew-like, chains or helices. A helix lacks mirror symmetry and is always either left- or right-handed. This is true for all crystals but not necessarily true in the case of other types of stones.
Figure L2. 7
To identify whether a crystal is left or right-handed, hold it with the largest face of the termination point facing you. If there is a small facet to the left of this, then it is left-handed or if the smallest facet is on the right, it is right-handed (see Figure L2. 7). Some crystals are easier to identify than others, so look at a few different ones if you find this difficult to do. It is useful to know whether a crystal has masculine or feminine energy for reasons which will become clear.
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The apex of a natural rock crystal is six-sided ~ representing the forces of the trinity, doubled. The more pointed the apex, the more perfect its healing power and it can be used as a laser beam. The rock crystal has strong healing powers. This is because it: -
• Is a natural conductor of electro-magnetic energy • Is both a receiver and ultra-sonic transmitter • Amplifies the purity of the white light beam • Balances and harmonises the aura • Emits a force field of light and is sonic protection against negativity • When laid on the body, crystal quartz decrystallizes the knots, which
block the flow of energy Energy is drawn into the body of the crystal and passes through it and out of its termination point(s). In order to release its energy, a crystal needs to be stimulated by body heat, direct sunlight, contact with other crystals, some metals and programmed mind thoughts.
Clear Quartz is capable of drawing off negative energy of all kinds, neutralising background radiation, including electromagnetic smog or petrochemical emanations. It balances and revitalises the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes, cleanses and enhances the organs and subtle bodies and acts as a deep soul cleanser, connecting the physical dimension with the mind. Clear Quartz enhances psychic abilities. It aids concentration and unlocks memory, stimulates the immune system and brings the body into balance. Clear Quartz (Crystal Quartz, Rock Crystal) harmonises all the chakras and aligns the subtle bodies. Inclusions Found in Quartz
Many quartz crystals vary in colour and clarity because of very small amounts of dispersed impurities found contained within them. Clear quartz becomes a deep violet colour, known as amethyst, due to inclusions of iron. Rose quartz gets its pink colouring from titanium or manganese. Porosity (holes & bubbles) and irregularities are also often found. During the formation of a corundum crystal, needle-like inclusions of futile form a hexagonal pattern which gives the pattern of a six -ray star in a cut stone.
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These stones are known as star rubies or star sapphires. Sometimes we find a second crystal formed inside the first. This is known as a phantom quartz and relates to memories and energy from past lives. Internal structures can alter the way light is absorbed and passes through a stone. Rainbow quartz contains air and water, producing beautiful rainbow effects as the name suggests. Colour can also be affected by other means. For example, clear quartz crystal which has been exposed to radio-activity found at great underground depths, absorbs the ultra-violet light which gives it a translucent colour thus changing it into smoky quartz. The colour of stones can also be changed by heat. Amethyst and rose quartz can become paler when exposed to light over a period of time. Amethyst, when heated to several hundred degrees, becomes reddish yellow citrine. Crystals grow naturally in family clusters. Each individual within the family has its own vibration pattern and frequency. All the vibrations of the individual crystals in a cluster harmonize. As each crystal emits its energy, it is recharged by the energy from another crystal, thus keeping the energy of the cluster flowing. This is why clusters are excellent for purifying the air as well as good for meditative and healing situations. Single points that we usually buy are made from breaking up a cluster. This is why their base is often jagged and translucent. Although it is better to use uncut crystals because fewer people have handled them, cutting and polishing a single crystal can make a very powerful healing tool. It can be rounded at the base and its termination can be multi-faceted. Marcel Vogel, who is a dedicated scientist and healer, found that such a laser beam point had the capacity to store much more energy. It could be used for extensive etheric healings and mind thought projections.
Chalcedony or Microcrystalline Quartz
Here the silica forms compact masses of tiny crystals, which are dull and glassy in appearance. Generally this type of quartz is found near the surface of the earth, where temperatures and pressures are relatively lower.
• Aventurine: quartz coloured with iridescent green mica • Chalcedony: white, blue or grey
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• Chrysoprase: opaque apple green • Bloodstone: opaque dark green with spots of red jasper also called
heliotrope • Carnelian: translucent red, orange or yellow • Moss agate: translucent milky white with moss-like inclusions of
hornblende • Tiger's eye: gold-yellow to gold-brown
The Agates
The last quartz group is the agates. These are made of concentric bands and are found in volcanic rock.
• i. Blue Lace: light blue and white layers • ii. Fire Agate: various shades of brown layers
Quartz is found in a huge range of varieties and colours, of which there are many different names which include:
• Amethyst • Ametrine • Aventurine • Cat's Eye • Citrine • Green Quartz / Prasiolite • Jasper • Rose Quartz • Rutilated Quartz • Smokey Quartz • Tourmaline Quartz • Tourmaline
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QUESTIONS FOR LESSON TWO
Please answer the following questions using no more than 75 words for each. Incorporate the questions within your answers
(eg. the number of days in the year is 365) Q1. What is the difference between a gemstone and a crystal? Q2. How would you describe the structure of a crystal? Q3. What colour would you predominantly associate with each chakra? Q4. Describe Mohs' Scale. What scale rating is the lowest for washing
crystals in water? Q5. How do crystals normally grow? What is significant about their
vibrations? What is a single point?
Return your answers to either:
whichever applies.
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Your Name – Crystal Healing (tutored) – Lesson Number or
Your Name – Crystal Healing (self study) – Part Number
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