crystal

a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure a crystalline element used as a component in various electronic devices a rock formed by the solidification of a substance

has regularly repeating internal structure

external plane faces colorless glass made of almost pure silica glassware made of quartz a protective cover that protects the face of a watch

This article is about the form of solid matter. For other uses of this word, see ''Crystal (disambiguation)''.'' crystal]]A crystal is a solid in which the constituent atoms, molecules, or ions are packed in a regularly ordered, repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions.Generally, fluid substances form crystals when they undergo a process of solidification. Under ideal conditions, the result may be a single crystal, where all of the atoms in the solid fit into the same lattice or crystal structure but, generally, many crystals form simultaneously during solidification, leading to a polycrystalline solid. For example, most metals encountered in everyday life are polycrystals. Crystals are often symmetrically intergrown to form Crystal twinningcrystal twins.Which crystal structure the fluid will form depends on the chemistry of the fluid, the conditions under which it is being solidified, and also on the ambient pressure. The process of forming a crystalline structure is often referred to as crystallization. Crystal]]While the process of cooling usually results in the generation of a crystalline material, under certain conditions the fluid may be frozen in a noncrystalline state. In most cases, this involves cooling the fluid so rapidly that atoms cannot travel to their lattice sites before they lose mobility. A noncrystalline material, which has no long-range order, is called an amorphous, vitreous, or glassy material. It is also often referred to as an amorphous solid, although there are distinct differences between solids and glasses: most notably, the process of forming a glass does not release the latent heat of fusion. For this reason, many scientists consider glassy materials to be viscosityviscous liquids rather than solids, although this is a controversial topic; see the entry on glass for more details. crystals]]Crystalline structures occur in all classes of materials, with all types of chemical bonds. Almost all metallic bond metal exists in a polycrystalline state; amorphous or single-crystal metals must be produced synthetically, often with great difficulty. ionic bond Ionically bonded crystals can form upon solidification of salts, either from a molten fluid or when it condenses from a solution. Covalently bonded crystals are also very common, notable examples being diamond, silica, and graphite. Polymer materials generally will form crystalline regions, but the lengths of the molecules usually prevents complete crystallization. Weak Van der Waals forces can also play a role in a crystal structure; for example, this type of bonding loosely holds together the hexagonal-patterned sheets in graphite.Most crystalline materials have a variety of crystallographic defects. The types and structures of these defects can have a profound effect on the properties of the materials. , a metal that easily forms large single crystals]] for the megajoule laser of Commissariat à l'Énergie AtomiqueCEA.]]While the term "crystal" has a precise meaning within materials science and solid-state physics, colloquially "crystal" refers to solid objects that exhibit well-defined and often pleasing geometric shapes. Various shapes of such crystals are found in nature. The shape of these crystals is dependent on the types of molecular bonds between the atoms to determine the structure, as well as on the conditions under which they formed. Snowflakes, diamonds, and common salt are common examples of crystals. Some crystalline materials may exhibit special electrical properties such as the ferroelectric effect or the Piezoelectricitypiezoelectric effect.The behaviour of light in crystals is described by crystal optics. In periodic dielectric structures a range of unique optical properties can be expected as described in photonic crystals.Crystallography is the scientific study of crystals and crystal formation.

See also -

Crystal habit

Crystal structure

Crystallite

Crystallization processes

Liquid crystal

Quasicrystal

Seed crystal

Single crystal

External links -

rockhounds.com - Introduction to Crystallography and Mineral Crystal Systems

iucr.ac.uk - Crystallographic Teaching Pamphlets

cst-www.nrl.navy.mil - Crystal Lattice !StructuresCategory:Crystals !da:Krystalde:Kristalleo:Krista loes:Cristalfa:بلورfi:Kide fr:Cristalhe:גבישio:Krista loid:kristalit:Cristalloja:結 晶la:Crystallumnl:Kristal? (natuurwetenschappen)pl:Faza !krystalicznapt:Cristalsl:Krist alzh:晶体

Feng Shui Import
Our company is one of the largest direct importers and distributors of Fengshui supplies in California: We also have widest ranges of selections on art craft at the lowest price with the excellent quality…
http://www.fengshui-import.com

Affiliation of Crystal Healing Organisations
A group of 20 schools teaching crystal healing to an agreed core syllabus (1988) and the award of 'diploma' to students for 2 years part-time study. Intermediate and Certificate levels also available.
http://www.crystal-healing.org/

OZ5LKO
Hamradio site with lots of links
http://www.oz5lko.dk/

Esencias del Mundo
Venta de esencias vibracionales de flores, gemas y cristales
http://www.esenciasdelmundo.cl/

Pyramid energy
development of energy pyramids, spiritual arts, energytraining, research in the use of kundalini yoga, chakrahealing, feng shui
http://www.pyramidenenergie.org/

Shulan's Farlawn Jewlers
High end retailer of jewlery gifts and tabletop. One of the countries largest selection
http://www.shulans.com/

Particle9 Productions
Particle9 Productions is a southern based company that creates entertainment content for a variety of needs. We offer products and services that range from comic books, and films, to Web design and Photography. Each division of the company is dedicated to producing the most professional product, and, or services that it can. We opperate under the philosophy that imagination is the first step to achieving the impossible. Our company leads by pushing the boundries of what is considered acceptable and what is not, while maintaining our commitment to quality and excellence in all that we do.
http://www.particle9productions.com/

Jolly International, Inc.--Optical Crystal Trophy and Award
Jolly International Inc.--We are the optics people supplying optical crystal trophies and awards and Barska binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, telescopes, golf scopes and monoculars
http://www.jollyoptics.com/

Lasting Impressions... Your Best Choice for Fine Gifts and Collectibles!
Lasting Impressions offers a mixture of unique and traditional fine gifts and collectibles online and at our bricks-and-mortar shop.
http://www.lastingimpressionsfinegifts.com/

Belle Pour La Vie
A site totally dedicated to a beautiful you! Jewelry, flip flops,and body products are all combined on this site. Irrisitable prices and great designs. Come in and save.
http://www.bellepourlavie.com/

http://www.nuez.com/
Unusual contemporary art photography, featuring bugs as pop icons and run-down dangerous alleys as beautiful locations.
http://www.nuez.com/

Finest Quartz Crystals For Dedicated Collectors and Metaphysical Users
Quartz crystals, phantom crystals, elestial crystals, enhydro crystals, amethyst crystals and so much more....
http://www.absolutequartzcrystals.com

2nd Insight(the shop for mind, body and spirit)
shop that sells mystery type gifts,books,wands,crystals etc. We also hold courses and workshops on Dowsing, Crystals, Psychic Awareness, Reading the Tarot, the happy Hedgewitch and more. We also have our resident Psychic/Medium that takes appointments for readings(aura's,palms,crystals&Tarot)
http://www.danearthquake.com/

Crystal Cave
Visit Wisconsin's longest cave. Family fun and educational. Three level cave. Hour long guided tours.
http://www.acoolcave.com/

EileensEshop
Looking for a gift that will be teasured for a lifetime? Gifts and home decor for discerning buyers.
http://www.eileenseshop.com

http://www.notis-artglass.gr
Stained glass in a wide variety of styles & patterns and architectural-decorative glass art applications: Glass sculpture, crystal ceilings, lightings, dividers, doors, stained-glass windows, special structures.
http://www.notis-artglass.gr/

Himalaya Crystal Salt Products
We are Manufacturer/Exporter of Himalaya Crystal Salt products. WE are producing high quality redish color Lamps.
http://www.ittefaqco.com/

www.hado.net
This website introduces Dr. Emoto's work with water. He is a first researcher to find that water has water crystal formation inside of water molecules and it varies depending on the information the water receive. For example, after he plays the music to the water, the water crystal formation will be different before and after the music has been played. He publishes series of book explaining about water crystal technology and his work with vibration and these products are available on the website as well.
http://www.hado.net/

All Aboard Cruise Center
A professional Cruise & tour agency specializing in customer service. CLIA Master Cruise agents and Princess certified experts available
http://www.cruisingfun.com/

Metaphysical and healing crystals
At balance Crystals we pride ourselves on offering a top-class service, provided by our experienced and knowledgeable staff, which coupled with our fair pricing system will ensure that your visit to our online crystal and metaphysical shop will be both enjoyable and informative.
http://www.crystalbalance.com/

Bling Bling Diamonds Jewelry Watches
Secure online shopping. Buy diamonds, fine jewelry and brand name watches online.
http://www.diamonds-jewelry-watches.com/

NewBornGames/NewBornGear
NewBornGames, founded in 2003, specializes in developing games and applications for Palm handheld computers. Titles include Wave Edit Pro, Crystal Popup Suite, Zemnia, Pipe Frenzy, 3d Othello.
http://www.newborngames.se/

Crystal Collection Reindeer
We sell baby reindeer, do holiday appearances and make items out of reindeer antler
http://www.livereindeer.com/

L Richards Creative Design
Custom designed, Handcrafted, Jewelry in Silver. Swarovski Crystal, Pearls, Glass Beads, Semi-Precious Stones, Decor, Art Objects, and more.
http://www.lrichardscreativedesign.com/

Scientific software development.
Statistical analysis software, crystal growth simulation, photoshop, NetCDF editor. Software directory.
http://www.leokrut.com/

Auctions house fine art
The auction house--live or online--for paintings, sculpture, other fine art, antiques, books, jewelry, toys, dolls, collectible memorabilia, and more. Authenticity and condition guaranteed.
http://www.hellmann-fine-art.de/

Texas Drug Lab Cleanup
Cleans illegal drug labs seized by police agencies in Texas.
http://www.texas-drug-lab-cleanup.com/

Cirrus Logic, Inc
Supplies linear, DSP, and mixed-signal chips for storage, communications, consumer, and industrial applications. Also sells under the Crystal brand.
http://www.cirrus.com/

Crystal Decisions Corp.
Provides reporting, analysis, and information delivery solutions.
http://www.crystaldecisions.com/

Crystal Cruises
Three ship worldwide cruiseline.
http://www.crystalcruises.com

The Crystal Cathedral.
Information on church services, activities, and ministries.
http://www.crystalcathedral.org/

Crystal Mountain Resort
Crystal Mountain Resort - Ski, Golf, Vacations, Meetings, Conferences.
http://www.crystalmtn.com/